The widespread technological introduction of graphene beyond electronics rests on our ability to assemble this two-dimensional building block into three-dimensional structures for practical devices. To achieve this goal we need fabrication approaches that are able to provide an accurate control of chemistry and architecture from nano to macroscopic levels. Here, we describe a versatile technique to build ultralight (density ≥1 mg cm−3) cellular networks based on the use of soft templates and the controlled segregation of chemically modified graphene to liquid interfaces. These novel structures can be tuned for excellent conductivity; versatile mechanical response (elastic-brittle to elastomeric, reversible deformation, high energy absorption) and organic absorption capabilities (above 600 g per gram of material). The approach can be used to uncover the basic principles that will guide the design of practical devices that by combining unique mechanical and functional performance will generate new technological opportunities.

The solar-assisted oxidation of water is an essential half reaction for achieving a complete cycle of water splitting. nanosheets results in a 10-fold increase in incident-photon-to-current-efficiency compared to the individual constituents. This proves that charge carrier lifetime is tailorable in atomically thin crystals by creating heterojunctions of different compositions and architectures. Our results suggest that the MoS 2 and WS 2 nanosheets and their bulk heterojunction blend are interesting photocatalytic systems for water oxidation, which can be coupled with different reduction processes for solar-fuel production.

Natural systems are a rich source of scientific inspiration. Skin for example functions as an efficient protective barrier for the human body that is able to sense the external environment and repair autonomously. The translation of these physiological properties to synthetic materials could open new opportunities in many strategic fields from health care to robotics. In recent years, significant advances have been accomplished towards the development of synthetic materials with unique sensing and/or self-healing capabilities [1,2] . The ability to self-heal often relies on the use of an external stimulus to trigger repair [3] or on the use of vascular [1,4] or capsule-based [5] systems for the storage and release of healants upon damage. However, these systems often show incomplete healing, cannot heal multiple times, or require the prompt location of the damage site. An alternative is the use of supramolecular polymers (macromolecular aggregates cross-linked by dynamic covalent or hydrogen bonds) that provide an efficient path towards autonomous multiple self-healing [6] . Still, the integration of healing ability with functional capabilities in robust and lightweight materials remains a challenge. In this work, we marry both approaches to develop robust, electrically conductive, self-healing composites. These composites, prepared through the encapsulation of a self-healing supramolecular polymer in a graphene ultralight network, are able to sense pressure and flexion and completely and

The current lifestyles, increasing population, and limited resources result in energy research being at the forefront of worldwide grand challenges, increasing the demand for sustainable and more efficient energy devices. In this context, additive manufacturing brings the possibility of making electrodes and electrical energy storage devices in any desired three-dimensional (3D) shape and dimensions, while preserving the multifunctional properties of the active materials in terms of surface area and conductivity. This paves the way to optimized and more efficient designs for energy devices. Here, we describe how three-dimensional (3D) printing will allow the fabrication of bespoke devices, with complex geometries, tailored to fit specific requirements and applications, by designing water-based thermoresponsive inks to 3D-print different materials in one step, for example, printing the active material precursor (reduced chemically modified graphene (rCMG)) and the current collector (copper) for supercapacitors or anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The formulation of thermoresponsive inks using Pluronic F127 provides an aqueous-based, robust, flexible, and easily upscalable approach. The devices are designed to provide low resistance interface, enhanced electrical properties, mechanical performance, packing of rCMG, and low active material density while facilitating the postprocessing of the multicomponent 3D-printed structures. The electrode materials are selected to match postprocessing conditions. The reduction of the active material (rCMG) and sintering of the current collector (Cu) take place simultaneously. The electrochemical performance of the rCMG-based self-standing binder-free electrode and the two materials coupled rCMG/Cu printed electrode prove the potential of multimaterial printing in energy applications.

The properties of graphene open new opportunities for the fabrication of composites exhibiting unique structural and functional capabilities. However, to achieve this goal we should build materials with carefully designed architectures. Here, we describe the fabrication of ceramic-graphene composites by combining graphene foams with pre-ceramic polymers and spark plasma sintering. The result is a material containing an interconnected, microscopic network of very thin (20–30 nm), electrically conductive, carbon interfaces. This network generates electrical conductivities up to two orders of magnitude higher than those of other ceramics with similar graphene or carbon nanotube contents and can be used to monitor ‘in situ' structural integrity. In addition, it directs crack propagation, promoting stable crack growth and increasing the fracture resistance by an order of magnitude. These results demonstrate that the rational integration of nanomaterials could be a fruitful path towards building composites combining unique mechanical and functional performances.