3D Printed Graphene‐Based Metamaterials: Guesting Multi‐Functionality in One Gain

Abstract

Advanced functional materials with fascinating properties and extended structural design have greatly broadened their applications. Metamaterials, exhibiting unprecedented physical properties (mechanical, electromagnetic, acoustic, etc.), are considered frontiers of physics, material science, and engineering. With the emerging 3D printing technology, the manufacturing of metamaterials becomes much more convenient. Graphene, due to its superior properties such as large surface area, superior electrical/thermal conductivity, and outstanding mechanical properties, shows promising applications to add multi‐functionality into existing metamaterials for various applications. In this review, the aim is to outline the latest developments and applications of 3D printed graphene‐based metamaterials. The structure design of different types of metamaterials and the fabrication strategies for 3D printed graphene‐based materials are first reviewed. Then the representative explorations of 3D printed graphene‐based metamaterials and multi‐functionality that can be introduced with such a combination are further discussed. Subsequently, challenges and opportunities are provided, seeking to point out future directions of 3D printed graphene‐based metamaterials.

Freely-shapable fabrication of aerogel patterns and 3D architectures by freeze-assisted transfer printing

“…The methods for constructing graphene aerogels mainly include hydrothermal or chemical reduction, 25–27 sacrificial templates and etching process, 28–30 3D printing techniques, 31–35 etc. The graphene aerogels prepared through reduction assembly and sacrifice templates are generally in simple bulk forms, which are limited by the shape of the container used in the preparation process.…”

“…Although the bulk form of graphene aerogel has shown functional applications in many aspects, its development from a macroscopic scale toward miniaturized patterns is of great importance for the realization of high-performance integrated devices. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] The methods for constructing graphene aerogels mainly include hydrothermal or chemical reduction, [25][26][27] sacrificial templates and etching process, [28][29][30] 3D printing techniques, [31][32][33][34][35] etc. The graphene aerogels prepared through reduction assembly and sacrifice templates are generally in simple bulk forms, which are limited by the shape of the container used in the preparation process.…”

Multifunctionality of Additively Manufactured Kelvin Foam for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Load Bearing

“…Additive manufacturing (AM) has been employed to fabricate complex structures with enhanced EM wave absorption through improved impedance matching by tuning the geometries. [ 13 ] Duan et al. presented a complex gradient composite‐based meta structure showing a reduction of over −10 dB in the microwave region with a frequency bandwidth of 5.1–40 GHz.…”

“…Additive manufacturing (AM) has been employed to fabricate complex structures with enhanced EM wave absorption through improved impedance matching by tuning the geometries. [13] Duan et al presented a complex gradient composite-based meta structure showing a reduction of over −10 dB in the microwave region with a frequency bandwidth of 5.1-40 GHz. [14] Lixian et al proposed a gradient-refractive-index RAS, exhibiting an EM wave absorption of −10 dB over 12-18 GHz by gradually increasing the porosity of the structure, which influenced the effective impedance for better absorptivity.…”

Bio‐Derived Wood‐Based Gas Diffusion Electrode for High‐Performance Aluminum–Air Batteries: Insights into Pore Structure

“…[16][17][18][19][20][21] Recently, the emerging 3D-printing techniques have demonstrated great potential for fabricating the required ordered structures as compared with traditional manufacturing, [22][23][24] with substantially improved precision, speed, and building volume. However, even though some precise structures have been manufactured from metal or carbon materials (e.g., graphene), [25] the commercial printable materials are still mainly limited to polymers for most scenarios. More importantly, large-scale manufacturing is challenging for industrial applications.…”