Abstract
Graphene (G) and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO), have outstanding electrical, mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrochemical properties, owed to their 2D structure and large specific surface area. Further, their combination with polymers leads to novel nanocomposites with enhanced structural and functional properties due to synergistic effects. Such nanocomposites are becoming increasingly useful in a wide variety of fields ranging from biomedicine to the electronics and energy storage applications. In this review, a brief introduction on the aforementioned G derivatives is presented, and different strategies to develop polymeric nanocomposites are described. Several functionalization methods including covalent and non-covalent approaches to increase their interaction with polymers are summarized, and selected examples are provided. Further, applications of this type of nanocomposites in the field of energy are discussed, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, transparent conductive electrodes, counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells, and active layers of organic solar cells. Finally, the challenges and future outlook for G-based polymeric nanocomposites are discussed.
Highlights
Reinforced polymers contain a polymeric matrix and a rigid filler that experiences a drastic change in modulus or stress at a given strain over the pure polymer
The irreversible linking of polymers can take place either at functional groups located on on the the basal basal planes planes or ways located or at at the the edges, edges, and andcan cantake takeplace placeinintwo twodifferent different ways (Scheme 6): (1) Grafting-from technique, which involves the growth of the polymer directly onto the G-based compound
Different types of interactions, including H-bonding, π–π stacking, hydrophobic as well as electrostatic have been reported between PANI, in the form of emeraldine salt, and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-graphene oxide (GO) (Scheme 13), that result in improved interaction between the two nanocomposite components, very high electrical conductivity [71]
Summary
Reinforced polymers contain a polymeric matrix and a rigid filler that experiences a drastic change in modulus or stress at a given strain over the pure polymer. Nanocomposites have a weight advantage over conventional composites and, nanoscale materials have emerged as suitable fillers owed to their increased specific interfacial area that enables stronger interfacial interactions and superior modulus [4,5]. According to their dimensions, nanofillers can be classified into 1D, that include nanotubes and nanowires, 2D such as nanoclays and graphene (G), and 3D such as spherical nanoparticles. Thenanomaterials polymer can enhance either blended the processability, flexfuel cells [9] Forcomposites such goal, G-based are frequently with polymers to formorfunctional composites [10].
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