Step-by-step self-assembly of 2D few-layer reduced graphene oxide into 3D architecture of bacterial cellulose for a robust, ultralight, and recyclable all-carbon absorbent

Development of high performance absorbents is of particular importance in environmental protection. Herein, we report a mechanically robust, ultralight, and recyclable absorbent with highly dispersed two-dimensional (2D) few-layer reduced graphene oxide (FrGO) in a three-dimensional (3D) carbonized bacterial cellulose (CBC) monolith via a novel step-by-step in situ biosynthesis (SBSB) method followed by carbonization. The step-by-step self-assembly produces a mechanically entangled nanostructure between FrGO and CBC nanofibers. The self-assembled CBC/FrGO nanocomposite absorbent possesses multi-scaled pores and large specific area. When used as absorbents, the monolithic CBC/FrGO aerogel exhibits excellent recyclability and high absorption capacities toward numerous oils and organic solvents. These properties, together with the green, cost-effective and scalable production process, make it very promising as a superior all-carbon absorbent for environmental protection. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.