Electrodes for energy storage and conversion devices such as super c apacitors, full 20 cells and batteries as well as capacitive desalination devices. The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides a conductive network for electron transportation, a porous structure for ions/molecules diffusion and high specific surface area, thus it is attractive for energy storage and water desalination 25 applications.

Thermal and acoustic insulators High porosity, controllable density and high elasticity of the graphene-based foams are ideal materials for thermal and acoustic insulator. The high porosity and low density 30 properties make the graphene-based foams a perfect material for these applications, and the WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939 -33- highly elastic nature allows the graphene-based foams to withstand large deformation, thereby it has excellent durability.

Chemical or mechanical sensors The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides large channels for 5 fast diffusion of ions/molecules. Thus, it can be used as sensor to detect chemicals in liquid or gas phases. In addition, the elastic and electrical conductive nature of the graphene- based foams makes it an excellent material for mechanical strain sensors. The ultralight and controllable density, and flexibility of graphene-based foam is extremely sensitive to a wide range of pressure, allowing the use in wearable sensors for in vitro diagnostics and gesture control systems for electronic devices.

Biomedical applications The graphene-based foams can be used in biomedical applications, as the graphene-based material is bio-compatible. The highly porous graphene-based foam provides a soft scaffold with tuneable mechanical properties for tissue engineering. Moreover, the porous structure is able to load drug molecules. The high electrical conductivity allows the use of electrical stimulation for drug release control or control the growth of cells.

Actuators The ultra-light structure of the graphene-based foams can be stimulated by electrical field, which can be used as actuators. In addition, the graphene-based foams can also be composited with other stimulatable materials to enhance the actuation performance, and also to be used with different stimulation signals, such as ion concentration, pH values and temperature.

3D skeleton for composites (ceramics, polymers and nanoparticles) The graphene-based foams provides large space for composition of various functional 25 materials. In terms of the function of the graphene-based foams, it can serve as a conductive filling/network and stable skeleton and reinforcement. WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-34-7. Adsorbents The large specific area and porous structure of the graphene-based foams make it an excellent material for pollutant adsorbents. Furthermore, the graphene-based foams is an ideal material for solvents/oil adsorption. As it is highly elastic, it can be reused by 5 squeezing out the adsorbed solvents/oils. And the ultralight property of the elastomer allows it floats on the surface of water to clean up oil spills.

Catalyst supports The graphene-based foams c a n also be used as catalyst supports, as it provides porous structure and large specific surface area. The structural/thermal stability and chemical 10 inertness of the graphene-based foams allows it to be operated in various environments, including high temperature and strong acid/base solvent.

Field emission The orientation of graphene-based sheets in the graphene-based foams can be controlled by freezing conduction. Therefore, the graphene-based foams with highly oriented structure 15 can be prepared for the use of field emission.

Precursor for graphene-based film processing The hierarchical structure of the graphene-based foams can be further compressed or filtrated to prepare graphene-based film. In addition, a graphene composite film can also be synthesized by using graphene-based foam composite materials. This synthesis strategy 20 provides a simple graphene-based film production route. The resulting graphene-based film can be used for various applications, including electrode for energy storage and water desalination. In one embodiment, there is provided a graphene-based film produced by compressing a graphene-based foam according to the invention. 25 WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-35-11. Mechanical dampening The graphene-based foams can be used for mechanical damping. The robust, high efficiency and elastic structure of the graphene-based foams is able to be used for energy adsorption during impact. 5 12. Filters The controllable porous structure of the graphene-based foams can be used as filter. In addition, its porous structure with hydrophilic nature of the graphene-based foams can be used for oil-water filtration.

3D flexible electronics 10 The unique elastic, electrical conductive and chemically inert nature of the graphene-based foams make them promising for design novel 3D flexible electronic devices. The present invention therefore also provides an electrode, capacitor, fuel cell, battery, capacitive desalination device, thermal or acoustic insulator, chemical or mechanical 15 sensor, actuator, adsorbent, catalyst support, and filter comprising the graphene based foam according to the invention. SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.23.271.2280.2184.2345.svg 0.217 6.377 Graph Black and white SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.25.224.2372.1716.2423.svg 0.17 4.973 Graph Black and white 20 The present invention also provides a graphene-based film comprising or in the form of a permanently compressed graphene-based foam according to the invention. What is claimed is:

Electrodes for energy storage and conversion devices such as super c apacitors, full 20 cells and batteries as well as capacitive desalination devices. The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides a conductive network for electron transportation, a porous structure for ions/molecules diffusion and high specific surface area, thus it is attractive for energy storage and water desalination 25 applications.

Thermal and acoustic insulators High porosity, controllable density and high elasticity of the graphene-based foams are ideal materials for thermal and acoustic insulator. The high porosity and low density 30 properties make the graphene-based foams a perfect material for these applications, and the WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939 -33- highly elastic nature allows the graphene-based foams to withstand large deformation, thereby it has excellent durability.

Chemical or mechanical sensors The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides large channels for 5 fast diffusion of ions/molecules. Thus, it can be used as sensor to detect chemicals in liquid or gas phases. In addition, the elastic and electrical conductive nature of the graphene- based foams makes it an excellent material for mechanical strain sensors. The ultralight and controllable density, and flexibility of graphene-based foam is extremely sensitive to a wide range of pressure, allowing the use in wearable sensors for in vitro diagnostics and gesture control systems for electronic devices.

Biomedical applications The graphene-based foams can be used in biomedical applications, as the graphene-based material is bio-compatible. The highly porous graphene-based foam provides a soft scaffold with tuneable mechanical properties for tissue engineering. Moreover, the porous structure is able to load drug molecules. The high electrical conductivity allows the use of electrical stimulation for drug release control or control the growth of cells.

Actuators The ultra-light structure of the graphene-based foams can be stimulated by electrical field, which can be used as actuators. In addition, the graphene-based foams can also be composited with other stimulatable materials to enhance the actuation performance, and also to be used with different stimulation signals, such as ion concentration, pH values and temperature.

3D skeleton for composites (ceramics, polymers and nanoparticles) The graphene-based foams provides large space for composition of various functional 25 materials. In terms of the function of the graphene-based foams, it can serve as a conductive filling/network and stable skeleton and reinforcement. WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-34-7. Adsorbents The large specific area and porous structure of the graphene-based foams make it an excellent material for pollutant adsorbents. Furthermore, the graphene-based foams is an ideal material for solvents/oil adsorption. As it is highly elastic, it can be reused by 5 squeezing out the adsorbed solvents/oils. And the ultralight property of the elastomer allows it floats on the surface of water to clean up oil spills.

Catalyst supports The graphene-based foams c a n also be used as catalyst supports, as it provides porous structure and large specific surface area. The structural/thermal stability and chemical 10 inertness of the graphene-based foams allows it to be operated in various environments, including high temperature and strong acid/base solvent.

Field emission The orientation of graphene-based sheets in the graphene-based foams can be controlled by freezing conduction. Therefore, the graphene-based foams with highly oriented structure 15 can be prepared for the use of field emission.

Precursor for graphene-based film processing The hierarchical structure of the graphene-based foams can be further compressed or filtrated to prepare graphene-based film. In addition, a graphene composite film can also be synthesized by using graphene-based foam composite materials. This synthesis strategy 20 provides a simple graphene-based film production route. The resulting graphene-based film can be used for various applications, including electrode for energy storage and water desalination. In one embodiment, there is provided a graphene-based film produced by compressing a graphene-based foam according to the invention. 25 WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-35-11. Mechanical dampening The graphene-based foams can be used for mechanical damping. The robust, high efficiency and elastic structure of the graphene-based foams is able to be used for energy adsorption during impact. 5 12. Filters The controllable porous structure of the graphene-based foams can be used as filter. In addition, its porous structure with hydrophilic nature of the graphene-based foams can be used for oil-water filtration.

3D flexible electronics 10 The unique elastic, electrical conductive and chemically inert nature of the graphene-based foams make them promising for design novel 3D flexible electronic devices. The present invention therefore also provides an electrode, capacitor, fuel cell, battery, capacitive desalination device, thermal or acoustic insulator, chemical or mechanical 15 sensor, actuator, adsorbent, catalyst support, and filter comprising the graphene based foam according to the invention. SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.23.271.2280.2184.2345.svg 0.217 6.377 Graph Black and white SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.25.224.2372.1716.2423.svg 0.17 4.973 Graph Black and white 20 The present invention also provides a graphene-based film comprising or in the form of a permanently compressed graphene-based foam according to the invention. What is claimed is:

Electrodes for energy storage and conversion devices such as super c apacitors, full 20 cells and batteries as well as capacitive desalination devices. The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides a conductive network for electron transportation, a porous structure for ions/molecules diffusion and high specific surface area, thus it is attractive for energy storage and water desalination 25 applications.

Thermal and acoustic insulators High porosity, controllable density and high elasticity of the graphene-based foams are ideal materials for thermal and acoustic insulator. The high porosity and low density 30 properties make the graphene-based foams a perfect material for these applications, and the WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939 -33- highly elastic nature allows the graphene-based foams to withstand large deformation, thereby it has excellent durability.

Chemical or mechanical sensors The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides large channels for 5 fast diffusion of ions/molecules. Thus, it can be used as sensor to detect chemicals in liquid or gas phases. In addition, the elastic and electrical conductive nature of the graphene- based foams makes it an excellent material for mechanical strain sensors. The ultralight and controllable density, and flexibility of graphene-based foam is extremely sensitive to a wide range of pressure, allowing the use in wearable sensors for in vitro diagnostics and gesture control systems for electronic devices.

Biomedical applications The graphene-based foams can be used in biomedical applications, as the graphene-based material is bio-compatible. The highly porous graphene-based foam provides a soft scaffold with tuneable mechanical properties for tissue engineering. Moreover, the porous structure is able to load drug molecules. The high electrical conductivity allows the use of electrical stimulation for drug release control or control the growth of cells.

Actuators The ultra-light structure of the graphene-based foams can be stimulated by electrical field, which can be used as actuators. In addition, the graphene-based foams can also be composited with other stimulatable materials to enhance the actuation performance, and also to be used with different stimulation signals, such as ion concentration, pH values and temperature.

3D skeleton for composites (ceramics, polymers and nanoparticles) The graphene-based foams provides large space for composition of various functional 25 materials. In terms of the function of the graphene-based foams, it can serve as a conductive filling/network and stable skeleton and reinforcement. WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-34-7. Adsorbents The large specific area and porous structure of the graphene-based foams make it an excellent material for pollutant adsorbents. Furthermore, the graphene-based foams is an ideal material for solvents/oil adsorption. As it is highly elastic, it can be reused by 5 squeezing out the adsorbed solvents/oils. And the ultralight property of the elastomer allows it floats on the surface of water to clean up oil spills.

Catalyst supports The graphene-based foams c a n also be used as catalyst supports, as it provides porous structure and large specific surface area. The structural/thermal stability and chemical 10 inertness of the graphene-based foams allows it to be operated in various environments, including high temperature and strong acid/base solvent.

Field emission The orientation of graphene-based sheets in the graphene-based foams can be controlled by freezing conduction. Therefore, the graphene-based foams with highly oriented structure 15 can be prepared for the use of field emission.

Precursor for graphene-based film processing The hierarchical structure of the graphene-based foams can be further compressed or filtrated to prepare graphene-based film. In addition, a graphene composite film can also be synthesized by using graphene-based foam composite materials. This synthesis strategy 20 provides a simple graphene-based film production route. The resulting graphene-based film can be used for various applications, including electrode for energy storage and water desalination. In one embodiment, there is provided a graphene-based film produced by compressing a graphene-based foam according to the invention. 25 WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-35-11. Mechanical dampening The graphene-based foams can be used for mechanical damping. The robust, high efficiency and elastic structure of the graphene-based foams is able to be used for energy adsorption during impact. 5 12. Filters The controllable porous structure of the graphene-based foams can be used as filter. In addition, its porous structure with hydrophilic nature of the graphene-based foams can be used for oil-water filtration.

3D flexible electronics 10 The unique elastic, electrical conductive and chemically inert nature of the graphene-based foams make them promising for design novel 3D flexible electronic devices. The present invention therefore also provides an electrode, capacitor, fuel cell, battery, capacitive desalination device, thermal or acoustic insulator, chemical or mechanical 15 sensor, actuator, adsorbent, catalyst support, and filter comprising the graphene based foam according to the invention. SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.23.271.2280.2184.2345.svg 0.217 6.377 Graph Black and white SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.25.224.2372.1716.2423.svg 0.17 4.973 Graph Black and white 20 The present invention also provides a graphene-based film comprising or in the form of a permanently compressed graphene-based foam according to the invention. What is claimed is:

Electrodes for energy storage and conversion devices such as super c apacitors, full 20 cells and batteries as well as capacitive desalination devices. The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides a conductive network for electron transportation, a porous structure for ions/molecules diffusion and high specific surface area, thus it is attractive for energy storage and water desalination 25 applications.

Thermal and acoustic insulators High porosity, controllable density and high elasticity of the graphene-based foams are ideal materials for thermal and acoustic insulator. The high porosity and low density 30 properties make the graphene-based foams a perfect material for these applications, and the WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939 -33- highly elastic nature allows the graphene-based foams to withstand large deformation, thereby it has excellent durability.

Chemical or mechanical sensors The hierarchical cellular structure of the graphene-based foams provides large channels for 5 fast diffusion of ions/molecules. Thus, it can be used as sensor to detect chemicals in liquid or gas phases. In addition, the elastic and electrical conductive nature of the graphene- based foams makes it an excellent material for mechanical strain sensors. The ultralight and controllable density, and flexibility of graphene-based foam is extremely sensitive to a wide range of pressure, allowing the use in wearable sensors for in vitro diagnostics and gesture control systems for electronic devices.

Biomedical applications The graphene-based foams can be used in biomedical applications, as the graphene-based material is bio-compatible. The highly porous graphene-based foam provides a soft scaffold with tuneable mechanical properties for tissue engineering. Moreover, the porous structure is able to load drug molecules. The high electrical conductivity allows the use of electrical stimulation for drug release control or control the growth of cells.

Actuators The ultra-light structure of the graphene-based foams can be stimulated by electrical field, which can be used as actuators. In addition, the graphene-based foams can also be composited with other stimulatable materials to enhance the actuation performance, and also to be used with different stimulation signals, such as ion concentration, pH values and temperature.

3D skeleton for composites (ceramics, polymers and nanoparticles) The graphene-based foams provides large space for composition of various functional 25 materials. In terms of the function of the graphene-based foams, it can serve as a conductive filling/network and stable skeleton and reinforcement. WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-34-7. Adsorbents The large specific area and porous structure of the graphene-based foams make it an excellent material for pollutant adsorbents. Furthermore, the graphene-based foams is an ideal material for solvents/oil adsorption. As it is highly elastic, it can be reused by 5 squeezing out the adsorbed solvents/oils. And the ultralight property of the elastomer allows it floats on the surface of water to clean up oil spills.

Catalyst supports The graphene-based foams c a n also be used as catalyst supports, as it provides porous structure and large specific surface area. The structural/thermal stability and chemical 10 inertness of the graphene-based foams allows it to be operated in various environments, including high temperature and strong acid/base solvent.

Field emission The orientation of graphene-based sheets in the graphene-based foams can be controlled by freezing conduction. Therefore, the graphene-based foams with highly oriented structure 15 can be prepared for the use of field emission.

Precursor for graphene-based film processing The hierarchical structure of the graphene-based foams can be further compressed or filtrated to prepare graphene-based film. In addition, a graphene composite film can also be synthesized by using graphene-based foam composite materials. This synthesis strategy 20 provides a simple graphene-based film production route. The resulting graphene-based film can be used for various applications, including electrode for energy storage and water desalination. In one embodiment, there is provided a graphene-based film produced by compressing a graphene-based foam according to the invention. 25 WO 2014/028978 PCT/AU₂₀₁₃/000939-35-11. Mechanical dampening The graphene-based foams can be used for mechanical damping. The robust, high efficiency and elastic structure of the graphene-based foams is able to be used for energy adsorption during impact. 5 12. Filters The controllable porous structure of the graphene-based foams can be used as filter. In addition, its porous structure with hydrophilic nature of the graphene-based foams can be used for oil-water filtration.

3D flexible electronics 10 The unique elastic, electrical conductive and chemically inert nature of the graphene-based foams make them promising for design novel 3D flexible electronic devices. The present invention therefore also provides an electrode, capacitor, fuel cell, battery, capacitive desalination device, thermal or acoustic insulator, chemical or mechanical 15 sensor, actuator, adsorbent, catalyst support, and filter comprising the graphene based foam according to the invention. SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.23.271.2280.2184.2345.svg 0.217 6.377 Graph Black and white SVG 14423279.02-23-2015.I₆JC₅₇QNPXXIFW4.SPEC₁0847372.25.224.2372.1716.2423.svg 0.17 4.973 Graph Black and white 20 The present invention also provides a graphene-based film comprising or in the form of a permanently compressed graphene-based foam according to the invention. What is claimed is: