Novel 3-D hierarchical multiconfiguration graphene/polyaniline-based aerogels with directed higher performances

Novel three-dimensional (3-D) hierarchical multiconfiguration graphene/polyaniline-based aerogels were synthesized via in situ polymerization and directed freeze-drying method. The composite aerogels enhanced excellent thermal and electrical performances, at the same time, their 3-D hierarchical multiconfiguration was robust and stable, which made them more beneficial to be applied to thermal or electrical fields. Graphene oxide/polyaniline (GO/AP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO/AP) were prepared. The multiconfiguration structure can be apparently observed through scanning electron microscopy image of GO/AP aerogel: the aerogels were composed of skeleton structure with paralleled open holes; the skeleton structure was made up by hierarchical GO sheet with AP network; and the AP network consisted of AP skeleton and nanopores. GO/AP aerogels showed higher heat resistance than single AP aerogel. In addition, compared with GO/AP and AP aerogels, RGO/AP aerogel had the best electrical performances (vertical electrical conductivity: 1.23 S cm−1 and specific capacitance: 580 F g−1). What is more, attributed to the multiconfiguration structure, the composite aerogels exhibited excellent performances in holes extending direction.