Graphene cross-linked phenol–formaldehyde hybrid organic and carbon xerogel during ambient pressure drying

A new method of synthesizing hybrid organic and carbon xerogel using graphene oxide as the cross-linking agent in the polycondensation of phenol and formaldehyde is presented. The organic xerogel is dried under ambient conditions, and the graphene cross-linked phenol–formaldehyde hybrid carbon xerogel (GCPFCX) is obtained through carbonization. Mechanically strong graphene oxide (GO) increases gel skeleton strength, giving organic xerogel very low drying shrinkage, low density and high mechanical property. The GCPFCX exhibits a layered structure, indicating a change in the gel structure resulting from the addition of GO. The PF molecular chains possibly grow along the GO surface because of strong interactions between the two compounds.