Shape Memory Graphene with Ultrahigh Specific Energy Dissipation

The properties of architected materials, such as origami, kirigami, and lattice materials, are determined by the intrinsic properties of the base material and the designed architecture. It is shown that van der Waals interaction between the elements of the architecture is critical for the mechanical properties of nano-architected triangular graphene. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that interplay between the flexibility and high Young's modulus of graphene, the designed architecture, and the van der Waals interaction between graphene ligaments results in a shape memory effect with a specific energy dissipation of more than 25 times that of the well-known shape memory alloy NiTi. A shape memory effect with ultrahigh specific energy dissipation is ideal for vibration control and reusable impact absorption devices.