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A Phytic Acid Induced Super‐Amphiphilic Multifunctional 3D Graphene‐Based Foam
Author(s) -
Song Xinhong,
Chen Yiying,
Rong Mingcong,
Xie Zhaoxiong,
Zhao Tingting,
Wang Yiru,
Chen Xi,
Wolfbeis Otto S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201511064
Subject(s) - amphiphile , graphene , catalysis , materials science , dopant , chemical engineering , solvent , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , doping , polymer , composite material , copolymer , optoelectronics , engineering
Surfaces with super‐amphiphilicity have attracted tremendous interest for fundamental and applied research owing to their special affinity to both oil and water. It is generally believed that 3D graphenes are monoliths with strongly hydrophobic surfaces. Herein, we demonstrate the preparation of a 3D super‐amphiphilic (that is, highly hydrophilic and oleophilic) graphene‐based assembly in a single‐step using phytic acid acting as both a gelator and as a dopant. The product shows both hydrophilic and oleophilic intelligence, and this overcomes the drawbacks of presently known hydrophobic 3D graphene assemblies. It can absorb water and oils alike. The utility of the new material was demonstrated by designing a heterogeneous catalytic system through incorporation of a zeolite into its amphiphilic 3D scaffold. The resulting bulk network was shown to enable efficient epoxidation of alkenes without prior addition of a co‐solvent or stirring. This catalyst also can be recovered and re‐used, thereby providing a clean catalytic process with simplified work‐up.