Morphology-controllable templated synthesis of three-dimensionally structured graphenic materials

The physical and chemical properties of graphene are highly related to its nanostructure. Yet, existing preparation methods cannot easily obtain free-standing 3-D graphenic materials with controllable morphology. Here we report a growth strategy for graphenic materials with various micron- and nano-architectures by templating γ-alumina, which was transformed from morphology-controllable boehmite. The resulting graphenic materials show perfectly replicated fine structures of the corresponding templates, and they give high specific surface areas in the range of 1149–1867 m² g⁻¹ which are desirable for energy applications. Hydrogen adsorption properties of the templated graphenic materials were evaluated at 77 K, and the samples presented 1.34–1.66 wt% storage capacities near 1.1 bar.