A strategy for making three-dimensional graphene networks is reported in Nature Communications this week. These graphene ‘monoliths’ exhibit ultralow density, super-elasticity with an extremely high recovery rate, and electrical conductivity and they may pave the way for new types of graphene-based flexible devices.

The development of graphene as a functional material requires that multiple sheets can be assembled while maintaining the unique properties of single sheets. Dan Li and his colleagues use a combination of graphene chemistry and ice physics to freeze cast the graphene monoliths, which have a structure similar to that of natural cork. The new material can support more than 50,000 times its own weight and can recover from 80% compression.

The authors suggest that functional materials can be incorporated into the voids in the material, offering plenty of room to fabricate new graphene-based nanocomposites.