Superfast Preparation of SWNT Sponge by Flame Burning Method and Its Adsorptive, Elastic and Electrochemical Properties

Abstract

A compressible single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) sponge was developed by a superfast flame burning method in less than 20[Formula: see text]s by moving polyurethane (PU) sponge template coated with SWNTs through an ethanol flame. By adjusting the geometries of the templates, the arbitrary shapes of the SWNT sponges composed of a unique network structure could be prepared as required. The SWNT sponges possessing good hydrophobicity and outstanding organic solvent adsorption capacity could adsorb various organic solvents and oils with high adsorption rate and good adsorption–volatilization and adsorption–combustion recycling performance. The SWNT sponges present good elasticity and compression stability even after a compressive strain of 80% and the 1000th loading/unloading cycle due to the stable skeleton structures. The SWNT sponges as flexible electrodes could also achieve high-specific capacitance of 126.8[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and 95% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. Owing to the availability of the flame, easy decomposition of the PU sponge and flame resistance of SWNTs, this facile flame burning method was demonstrated to be a practical approach to prepare the SWNT sponges on a large scale with controllable shape and density, moderate organic liquid adsorption capability, good elasticity and decent electromechanical properties.