S. Wang, X. Wang, X.Y. Shi, C.X. Meng, C.L. Sun*, Z.-S. Wu*

New Carbon Materials, 2021, 36, 189-197.

DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(21)60013-6 [PDF]

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene aerogels (GAs) with tunable porous structure, highly accessible surface area, exceptional compressibility, elasticity and wettability have been intensively exploredas promising absorbentsfor efficient oil/water separation. However, thestrategiesforassembling 3DGAs generallyinvolvehigh-temperature process, resulting in high cost,energyandtime consumption. Herein, we reported the synthesis ofa3D porous polyoxometalate (POM) hybridGA(POM-GA) asahighly efficient and recyclable absorbent for oil/water separation. The 3D POM-GAwasfabricated by self-assembly and reduction of graphene oxideusing POM as afunctional cross-linker and hydrazine hydrate asareductant under room temperature. The resulting POM-GAexhibiteda3D interconnected macroporous structure, large specific surface area, exceptional compressibility, elasticityandwettability.Itdisplayed excellent absorptioncapacities of 100~210 g g^-1for rapid removal of various organic pollutants from water, outperforming most of the previously reported graphene-based macro-assemblies synthesized at hightemperatures. Moreover, the absorbed oils could be readilyrecoveredand POM-GAcould be easilyrecycledwith high oil-absorption capacityretention rates of 96 and 90 %after 10 absorbing-squeezingand absorbing-burning cycles, respectively.Therefore, 3D POM-GAholdsgreat potential for efficient oil/water separation with wide applicability and excellent durability.