Graphene Assembly: Chemistry, Liquid Crystals, Macroscopic Assembly, and Catalysis.

Inspired by self-organization in biological systems, we discovered the “group effect” of graphene and confirmed the rich liquid crystalline behavior of graphene oxide dispersion. Starting from graphene oxide liquid crystals, we focus on constructing graphene-based macroscopic materials with high performance and advanced functionalities, including graphene fiber, graphene fabric, graphene film, and graphene foam. We have developed a new family of graphene fibers with high strength, high toughness, and high electrical conductivity. Our research work about graphene fibers and ultra-flyweight carbon aerogels were highlighted by Nature News and NPG Asia Materials. The methodology and philosophy about graphene macroscopic assembly we established will certainly pave the way for graphene and graphene-like 2D nanosheets as structural-multifunctional materials in the future.