Chapter 9 - Comparison Between Functionalized Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes: Effect of Morphology and Surface Group on Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Properties of Nanocomposites

Abstract

Advances in engineering materials have seen rapid developments in many areas toward creating and enhancing the overall quality of life for humankind. Among the most promising advanced materials that are highly explored and researched so far are nanocomposite materials based on graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Functionalization of graphene and CNT nanocomposites is an effective way to address the current limitations of both nanomaterials by chemically modifying their surface properties to attain the desirable physical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal material properties. Among the most notable applications of functionalized graphene (f-G) and CNT nanocomposites are in sensors, fuel cells, solar cells, supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, flexible devices, drug delivery, and composite structural materials. In this chapter, the overview of the fundamental aspects of morphology and surface group between graphene and CNT nanocomposites is given. In addition, the effect of graphene and CNT nanocomposite morphologies and surface groups on the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of both materials are also discussed. Finally, several remarks on the future development and potential of graphene and CNT nanocomposites are also briefly included at the end of the chapter.