Graphene mesosponge synthesis, characterization, and energy applications from lab to commercialization

Three-dimensional graphene-based materials offer high porosity, large specific surface area, and unique electrochemical performance for energy conversion, storage, and environmental applications. Three-Dimensional Graphene: Graphene Mesosponge synthesis, Characterization and Applications, written by a team of materials scientists at Tohoku University, provides a systematic treatment spanning fundamental graphene science through the synthesis, properties, structural controllability, and applications of graphene mesosponge.

The book traces the development history and unique synthesis mechanism of graphene mesosponge, detailing its structural variety and controllability. Advanced characterization techniques for carbon-related materials and nanocarbons receive thorough coverage. Battery-related case studies draw on first-hand commercialization data from the authors' own startup, 3DC, and the text explores pathways toward three-dimensional graphene structures with structural regularity.

Readers will also find:

• Detailed coverage progressing from general graphene-based materials to the latest three-dimensional carbon material, graphene mesosponge
• Instructions on advanced characterization techniques applicable to research on carbon-related materials and nanocarbon structures
• Case studies on battery-related applications informed by direct commercialization experience and experimental data from industry
• Analysis of graphene mesosponge properties including high porosity, low density, large specific surface area, and electrochemical performance
• Discussion of future synthesis pathways aimed at creating three-dimensional graphene architectures with controlled structural regularity

Designed for materials scientists, electronics engineers, sensor developers, solid-state physicists, and semiconductor physicists, this book also serves graduate students and researchers in carbon nanomaterials and energy-related fields who require a coherent framework connecting graphene fundamentals to three-dimensional architectures and their practical applications.

Hirotomo Nishihara, PhD, is a Full Professor at WPI-AIMR and IMRAM, Tohoku University, and Chief Science Officer at 3DC, a startup he founded in 2022 to commercialize graphene mesosponge. He received the JSPS Prize in 2020.

Takeharu Yoshii, PhD, is an Associate Professor at IMRAM, Tohoku University. His research focuses on nanostructured heterogeneous catalysts and carbon materials. He received the Chemical Society of Japan Award for Young Chemists in 2025.

Wei Yu, PhD, is a tenure-track assistant professor at Tohoku University. He holds a PhD from Tsinghua University and has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications and three international patents on carbon and energy materials.

Junlong Huang, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University. His research focuses on the design and preparation of functional porous polymers and carbon materials for energy storage devices.

Robert Karoly Szilagyi, PhD, MSc, is an Associate Professor and Department Head of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. His research integrates quantum chemical methods with synchrotron spectroscopy across bioinorganic systems and materials science.