3D printing of reduced graphene oxide aerogels for energy storage devices: A paradigm from materials and technologies to applications

Abstract

As one of the most broadly developed three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies, direct ink writing (DIW) is utilized to process supercapacitors (SCs) and batteries. One notable challenge resides in preparing printable suspensions with superior dispersing ability and stability. Regarding the energy storage applications, graphene oxide (GO) inks have been extensively investigated to match the requirements for the DIW 3D printing technology, where the consecutive reduction process can lead to the targeted reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an electrically conductive host for SCs and batteries. In this review, we first analyze the scientific challenges and corresponding resolving strategies of the DIW-printed rGO electrodes. Then, we move to specific capacitor examples by discussing the current progress of Non-3D-printed interdigitated rGO-based SCs, DIW-printed interdigitated rGO-based SCs, and DIW-printed rGO-based aerogel SCs. Concerning the battery aspects, modern developments of DIW-printed rGO-based aerogel electrodes for different battery systems, including lithium-ion, lithium/sulfur, lithium/O<inf>2</inf>, and lithium/CO<inf>2</inf> batteries, are summed up. Of note, among these detailed examples, special attention has been paid to the interacting and combining manners between the DIW technique and rGO/electrode materials science. Finally, we prospect several distinct challenges and potential directions in this prosperous domain, which are devised for further exploitations of the DIW-printed rGO-based aerogels in energy storage devices.