Acoustic absorption of ultralight graphene-based cellular monoliths

Cellular materials with ultralow density (e.g., < 5 mg cm(-3)) are attractive candidates for acoustic applications due to their lightweight and other unique properties. However, it has remained a challenge to fabricate such materials. Here, we synthesized a series of graphene-based cellular monoliths (GMs) with densities from 4.01 to 0.82 mg cm(-3) using a facile and cost-effective freeze-casting procedure. The sound absorption behaviors of the ultralight GMs were explored, and the results demonstrate that the GMs with a density over 2.24 mg cm(-3) could effectively dissipate the incident sound wave energy with the sound absorption coefficient > 0.8 in a broad frequency of ranges. Together with their high mechanical stability, fire retardancy and thermal insulation capability, GMs may find applications in the domestic, industrial and defence areas.

Automated summary

Graphene-based cellular monoliths (GMs) with ultralow density have been synthesized through a simple and cost-effective freeze-casting method. The GMs demonstrate excellent sound absorption properties within a certain density range, while also possessing high mechanical stability, fire retardancy, and thermal insulation capability.