Three-dimensional polyhedral microscale graphene-based structures and methods of manufacture
AssigneeRegents of the University of Minnesota
InventorsJeong-Hyun Cho, Daeha Joung
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Abstract
Methods of making a microscale, free-standing, 3D, polyhedral, hollow, GO (or other graphene-based) structure using an origami-like self-folding approach. The origami-like self-folding process allows for easy control of size, shape, and thickness of graphene-based membranes, which, in turn, permits fabrication of freestanding 3D microscale polyhedral GO structures for example. With the 3D GO, a novel optical switching behavior is created, resulting from a combination of the geometrical effect of the 3D hollow structure and the water-permeable multi-layered GO membrane that affect the optical paths.
Claims20
A method of making a 3D graphene-based microstructure, the method comprising:
- forming a 2D net including a plurality of panels and hinges, wherein each panel includes:
- a frame,
- a graphene-based membrane supported within the frame,
- wherein the panels are connected to one another and arranged in an array, and further wherein a respective one of the hinges extends between and interconnects immediately adjacent ones of the panels within the array;
- and
- heating the 2D net, wherein the step of heating includes each of the hinges self-folding to transition the 2D net into a 3D graphene-based microstructure.
A 3D graphene-based microstructure comprising:
- a plurality of panels each comprising:
- a frame,
- a graphene-based membrane supported by the frame,
- wherein the panels are arranged relative to one another to define a polyhedral shape having an interior volume;
- and
- a plurality of joints, wherein respective ones of the joints interconnect opposing edges of immediately adjacent ones of the panels in the polyhedral shape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.