Graphene bonded carbon nanofiber aerogels with high capacitive deionization capability

We herein report a fascinating carbon aerogel that has a unique framework structure consisting of one-dimensional (i.e. nanofibers) and two-dimensional (i.e. graphene) carbon nanomaterials. Such a carbon aerogel was prepared by carbonization of electrospun polyacrylonitrile with graphene oxide sheets (GO). The nanofiber-graphene interconnection within the aerogel considerably enhances the electrochemical characteristics. The aerogel showed an electrosorption capacity of 15.7 mg g−1in 500 mg L−1NaCl solution, and the CDI cell exhibited stable performance over 100 cycles. Moreover, the carbon aerogel has good electrical conductivity and faster electron transfer rate. Such a cross-linked porous aerogel may provide a new strategy for highly efficient CDI applications.