LAUSR

Graphene aerogel (GA) as a rising multifunctional material has demonstrated great potential for energy storage and conversion, environmental remediation, high-performance sensors or actuators. However, the commercial use of GA is obstructed by its fragility and high-cost. Herein, by a simple stirring-induced foaming of the mixed aqueous solutions of natural rubber latex (NRL) and graphene oxide liquid crystal (GOLC), we obtained tough, ultralight (4.6 mg cm-3), high compressibility (> 90%) and water-adhesive graphene/NRL hybrid aerogel (GA/NRL). Of particular note, the NRL particles are conformally wrapped by graphene layers to form the sandwich-like cell wall with biomimetic rose petal surface. These distinct hierarchical structures endow GA/NRL not only high toughness to bear the impact, torsion (> 90°) and even ultrasonication but also strong adhesion to water. As a proof of concept, the utilization of the as-prepared GA/NRL to collect water droplets suspending in the moist air and its improved solar-thermal harvest capacity have been demonstrated. This facile, green and cost-effective strategy opens a new route for tailoring the microstructure and functionality of GA, which will facilitate its large-scale production and commercial application.