Green fabrication techniques for graphene and graphene nanocomposites—state-of-the-art and modern prospects

Abstract

ABSTRACT Graphene is a unique nanocarbon nanostructure which is commonly used to form the nanocomposites. Green strategies (chemical vapour deposition with green catalysts, mechanical exfoliation, sonication) and sustainable carbon sources (plant extracts and recycled polymers) have been applied to synthesise graphene and graphene derivatives. For the formation of graphene nanocomposites, green fabrication methods (sonication, solution route, electrostatic, in situ polymerisation, printing, hydrothermal, etc.) involving green matrices, nanofillers, solvents, and reagents, have also been investigated. Thus, this state-of-the-art overview highlights essential green methods for the formation of graphene and nanomaterials. The resulting green graphene nanocomposites have numerous superior structural and physical properties such as morphology, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical stability. Subsequently, the green synthesised graphene and graphene nanocomposites have been explored for important high performance technical applications including the energy storage, packaging, antibacterial, bioimaging, and drug delivery applications. Future research on the development of advanced synthesis methods may overcome the design and performance challenges of the green graphene nanocomposites.