Covalently crosslinked graphene oxide papers (GOPs) with enhanced mechanical properties are prepared by a strategy involving crosslinking by means of intercalated polymers. The strength and modulus of the crosslinked GOPs increase by 115% and 550%, respectively, compared to the pristine GOPs. These results broaden the potential applications of graphene, and the crosslinking strategy will open the door to the assembly of other nanometer-scale materials.

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By taking the advantage of the unique amphiphilic structure of graphene oxide sheets (GOSs), we develop here a new and effective strategy for compatibilizing immiscible polymer blends. With the incorporation of only 0.5 wt % GOSs into immiscible polyamide/polyphenylene oxide (PA/PPO, 90/10) blends, the droplet diameter of the dispersed minor phase (PPO) is dramatically reduced by more than 1 order of magnitude, indicating a largely improved compatibility in the GOS-filled polymer blends. As a result, the ductility of GOS-compatibilized polymer blends is notably elevated. The compatibilizing effect of GOSs should be due to the fact that GOSs can exhibit strong interactions with both PA and PPO phases, thus minimizing their interfacial tension. Moreover, unlike traditional copolymer compatibilizers, GOSs can also act as reinforcing fillers in polymer blends, thus remarkably enhancing their mechanical strength and thermal stability. Considering the inexpensive sources (graphite powders) and extraordinary properties of GOSs, this work may open up opportunities to produce new compatibilizers that are of great interest in the industrial field.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising for next-generation energy storage. However, the reported electrode materials for ZIBs are facing shortcomings including low capacity and unsatisfactory cycling stability etc. Herein, hexaazatrinaphthalenequione (HATNQ) is reported for aqueous ZIBs. The HATNQ electrodes delivered an ultrahigh capacity (482.5 mAh g À 1 at 0.2 A g À 1 ) and outstanding cyclability of > 10 000 cycles at 5 A g À 1 . The capacity sets a new record for organic cathodes in aqueous ZIBs. The high performances are ascribed to the rich C=O and C=N groups that endowed HATNQ with a 2D layered supramolecular structure by multiple hydrogen bonds in plane with π-π interactions out-of-plane, leading to enhanced charge transfer, insolubility, and rapid ion transport for fast-charge and -discharge batteries. Moreover, the 2D supramolecular structure boosted the storage of Zn 2 + /H + , particularly the storage of Zn 2 + , due to the more favorable O•••Zn•••N coordination in HATNQ.