EMI shielding and strain-sensitive tape based on ultraprecise 3D printed graphene oxide aerogel microlattices

Abstract 3D printed graphene aerogels hold promise for multifunctional applications due to their elasticity, low density and adjustable conductivity. However, low printing accuracy/fidelity and stochastic porous networks have hindered both research and applications. Here we formulate printable graphene oxide (GO) inks through modulating oxygen functional groups and trace addition of Ca2+ ions as gelators. Self-standing 3D graphene aerogel microlattices (GOALs) were thus printed with minimal shrinkage and ultra-high printing resolution of 70 μm. The improved resolution facilitated customizable 3D structure and inner pore architecture which was exploited for EMI shielding by modulating the lattice aperture and layers in the scaffold. The GOALs were then replicated into adhesive tape as a simple and large-scale strategy to adapt their functionalities into target applications. The GOAL tape is highly durable displaying not only excellent shielding (SSE/t=5714.3 dB cm2/g) but outstanding resistive bending sensitivity (gauge factor=90) making it promising for stealth and flexible sensing electronics.