One-step synthesis of porous graphene-based hydrogels containing oil droplets for drug delivery

Abstract

Three-dimensional graphene hydrogels with a porous network have attractive potential in electrode materials, catalysis, and drug delivery. A series of porous graphene-based hydrogels containing oil droplets is fabricated on the basis of Pickering emulsions co-stabilized by graphene oxide and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The volume ratio of water to oil and the concentration of stabilizers have significant effects on Pickering emulsion stability. A hierarchical pore structure is observed in the hybrid hydrogels prepared by in situ reduction of graphene oxide. Owing to the inner oil droplets distributing in the hydrogels which can be loaded with oil-soluble materials, the obtained reduced graphene oxide hydrogels show sustained release of hydrophobic drugs, which makes them a candidate for drug delivery.