Xerogel synthesis from carbon materials and glue inspired by Japanese-solid-calligraphy ink

Abstract Japanese-solid-calligraphy ink is a xerogel made by mixing soot and glue followed by molding and drying. Herein, we prepare xerogels from glue and 1 or 2 carbon materials (fullerene C60, multiwalled and single-walled carbon nanotubes, nanodiamonds, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanohorns) and characterize their surface morphology, indentation hardness, surface resistivity, and other physical properties. Our ecofriendly and simple synthesis does not require special equipment and affords xerogels holding promise as electrode materials.