Acidity-dependent self-rolling of graphene oxide nanoscrolls via metal cation-π interaction

Graphene nanoscrolls with one-dimensional topological structure obtained by Archimedean-type spirals of graphene, inherit the intrinsic properties pristine graphene. They have some unique advantages, including open edges/ends, adjustable internal volume, and diameter. Notably, accommodation functionalized components in their interlayer is potentially a fantastic strategy to promote epoch-making progress nanotechnology areas, energy storage, environmental remediation, biotechnology, smart devices. However, it could destroy driving forces for self-rolling graphene nanosheets thus still challenge prepare nanoscrolls. Here, based on density functional theory prediction, we reported feasible method fabricate oxide carbon nanotubes as template. The was driven cation-π interactions, which were caused metal cations that also acted adsorption center. Most importantly, distinct mechanism an acidity-dependent rule formation identified. Benefiting from introduced macro three-dimensional hierarchical structure, produced nanoscroll aerogel exhibited significantly improved performance toward different organic solvents capacities 129.9 265.7 g g−1. This work demonstrates simple efficient component-accommodated nanoscroll, find important applications various fields.