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Reversible Formation of g‐C 3 N 4 3D Hydrogels through Ionic Liquid Activation: Gelation Behavior and Room‐Temperature Gas‐Sensing Properties
Author(s) -
Yan Jia,
Rodrigues MarcoTulio F.,
Song Zhilong,
Li Hongping,
Xu Hui,
Liu Huan,
Wu Jingjie,
Xu Yuanguo,
Song Yanhua,
Liu Yang,
Yu Peng,
Yang Wei,
Vajtai Robert,
Li Huaming,
Yuan Shouqi,
Ajayan Pulickel M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201700653
Subject(s) - self healing hydrogels , materials science , stacking , ionic liquid , ionic bonding , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , hydrothermal circulation , rational design , nanostructure , amphiphile , polymer , composite material , copolymer , ion , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , engineering , catalysis
Many unique properties arise when the 3D stacking of layered materials is disrupted, originating nanostructures. Stabilization, and further reorganization of these individual layers into complex 3D structures, can be essential to allow these properties to persist in macroscopic systems. It is demonstrated that a simple hydrothermal process, assisted by ionic liquids (ILs), can convert bulk g‐C 3 N 4 into a stable hydrogel. The gelation occurs through delamination of the layered structure, driven by particular interactions between the IL and the carbon nitride sheets, forming an amphiphilic foam‐like network. This study employs spectroscopic and computational tools to unravel the gelation mechanism, and provides a rational approach toward the stabilization of 2D materials in hydrogels. The solution‐processable hydrogels can also be used as building blocks of complex devices. Chemiresistive gas sensors employing g‐C 3 N 4 3D hydrogels exhibit superior response at room temperature, enabling effective gas sensing under low power conditions.