A versatile, superelastic polystyrene/graphene capsule-like framework

Abstract

A rationally assembled polystyrene/graphene capsule-like framework (PS/G-CF) has been successfully fabricated through a self-assembly strategy. The closed-shell hollow capsule-like structure can be tuned for excellent mechanical properties, and is able to sustain large strain deformation of 95% and compressive stress of 165 kPa, superior to most of the reported polymer/graphene based foams, and it exhibits ultra-high pressure-responsive sensitivity in the low-pressure regime. Moreover, it also shows a superhydrophobic structure with a high adhesion to water droplets that allows the transfer of a single water droplet from a sticky superhydrophobic surface to another one. The versatile and superelastic PS/G-CF demonstrated here provides a promising material platform for multifunctional applications.