The study presented in the article is focused on use of graphene obtained by novel microwave-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MECVD) method as a construction material for 3D porous structures—aerogels and sponges. MECVD graphene nanoplatelets-based aerogels were obtained by mixing MECVD graphene nanoplatelets and chitosan, dissolved in 3% acetic acid followed by its freeze drying and carbonization at 800° in inert medium. Surface morphology of aerogels was characterized by SEM. MECVD graphene nanoplatelets-based aerogels are characterized by a porous structure; they are superhydrophobic and possess high sorption capacity with regard to organic liquids of different densities. Polyurethane sponges coated with MECVD graphene can serve as an alternative to aerogels. The process of their obtaining is cheaper and less complicated. They were obtained by facile “dip-coating” method, modifying its surface to increase its hydrophobicity. The resulting sponges are superhydrophobic and superoleophilic, and demonstrate high rate of sorption of organic liquids and can be easily regenerated by squeezing. In addition, they can be used as a separating material in conjunction with vacuum system for continuous and selective collection of organic liquids from the surface of water.

    Abstract
    1 Introduction
    2 Experimental
        2.1 Preparation of graphene nanopowder by MECVD
        2.2 Synthesis of MECVD graphenechitosan-based aerogels
        2.3 Synthesis of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic sponges coated with MECVD graphene
        2.4 Study of sorption capacities of obtained aerogels and sponges based on MECVD graphene
        2.5 Study of hydrophobicity of obtained aerogels and sponges based on MECVD graphene
        2.6 Characterization of obtained aerogels and sponges based on MECVD graphene
    3 Results and discussion
        3.1 Characterization of MECVD graphene nanoplatelets
        3.2 Synthesis and study of aerogels based on MECVD graphene and chitosan
        3.3 Synthesis and study of PU sponges coated with MECVD graphene
    4 Conclusion
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• F R Sultanov(Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University)
• Ch Daulbayev(Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty)
• B Bakbolat(Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty)
• Z A Mansurov(Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University)
• A A Urazgaliyeva(Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University)
• Rabi Ebrahim(Center for Advanced Materials, University of Houston)
• S S Pei(Center for Advanced Materials, University of Houston)
• Kun‑Ping Huang(Mechanical and Systems Research Laboratories Industrial Technology Research Institute)