Easy preparation of graphene-based conducting polymer composite via organogel

Abstract

A highly electrically conducting graphene (reduced graphene oxide, rGO)-based polymer composite was successfully prepared via organogels using an organically dispersible polyaniline (PANI) and a low molecular-weight organogelator consisting of cholesterol derivatives. The plain gel was prepared by heat treatment of a mixture of toluene and the organogelator. PANI-rGO organogel was prepared by adding PANI and rGO to the plain gel and mixing them. Microscopic studies established that organogelators formed three-dimensional networks and that the PANI aggregates and rGO particles were dispersed within the organogels. Viscoelastic measurements demonstrated that the PANI-rGO organogel showed rapid and repeatedly thixotropic behavior. “Dried” PANI-rGO composites showed high electrical conductivity. A ballpoint pen was filled with the PANI-rGO organogel and used to produce lines similar to the ones produced by commercially available ballpoint pen. The line showed electrical conductivity. The novel PANI-rGO composite shows high electrical conductivity through easy preparation, one which is just like mixing.