Physics

Aerospace engineering

Organic chemistry

Composite number

Engineering

Carbon fibers

Composite material

Compression (physics)

Hemicellulose

Chemistry

Materials science

Cellulose

Lignin

Quantum mechanics

Lamellar structure

Compressibility

Anisotropy

Chemical engineering

Chem

A direct wood-to-carbon-sponge transformation is realized via a facile chemical treatment and subsequent carbonization process. Removing the lignin and hemicellulose from balsa wood cell walls is a significant step toward converting the lattice-like wood structure to a spring-like lamellar structure. Magic transformation from brittle wood carbon to compressible wood carbon sponge thus becomes achievable. The wood carbon sponge exhibits a sensitive electrical response as a strain sensor and attractive features for other potential applications.

Scalable and Sustainable Approach toward Highly Compressible, Anisotropic, Lamellar Carbon Sponge