Crumpled graphene balls as rapid and efficient adsorbents for removal of copper ions

A novel, three-dimensional (3D), self-supporting material—the crumpled graphene ball—was developed using an aerosol capillary approach. The resultant crumpled-graphene-ball architecture showed a self-supporting, 3D network microstructure with plenty of ridges and wrinkles. Due to their unique structural characteristics, the 3D balls exhibited a rapid adsorption rate and superior adsorption capacity toward the copper ion (Cu 2+ ). It was noted that the adsorption capacity for Cu 2+ reached about 224.56 mg/g within 2 min. A high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption kinetics , excellent regeneration and reusability characteristics, and the ease of materials processing make these crumpled graphene balls ideal candidates for heavy metal ion decontamination in practical application.