2D Carbon Nanomaterials Research Articles

Scalable 2D Hierarchical Porous Carbon Nanosheets for Flexible Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Energy Density.

2D carbon nanomaterials such as graphene and its derivatives, have gained tremendous research interests in energy storage because of their high capacitance and chemical stability. However, scalable synthesis of ultrathin carbon nanosheets with well-defined pore architectures remains a great challenge. Herein, the first synthesis of 2D hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets (2D-HPCs) with rich nitrogen dopants is reported, which is prepared with high scalability through a rapid polymerization of a nitrogen-containing thermoset and a subsequent one-step pyrolysis and activation into 2D porous nanosheets. 2D-HPCs, which are typically 1.5 nm thick and 1-3 µm wide, show a high surface area (2406 m2 g-1 ) and with hierarchical micro-, meso-, and macropores. This 2D and hierarchical porous structure leads to robust flexibility and good energy-storage capability, being 139 Wh kg-1 for a symmetric supercapacitor. Flexible supercapacitor devices fabricated by these 2D-HPCs also present an ultrahigh volumetric energy density of 8.4 mWh cm-3 at a power density of 24.9 mW cm-3 , which is retained at 80% even when the power density is increased by 20-fold. The devices show very high electrochemical life (96% retention after 10000 charge/discharge cycles) and excellent mechanical flexibility.

Structural analysis, electronic properties, and band gaps of a graphene nanoribbon: A new 2D materials

Graphene nanoribbon (GNR), a new 2D carbon nanomaterial, has some unique features and special properties that offer a great potential for interconnect, nanoelectronic devices, optoelectronics, and nanophotonics. This paper reports the structural analysis, electronic properties, and band gaps of a GNR considering different chirality combinations obtained using the pz orbital tight binding model. In structural analysis, the analytical expressions for GNRs have been developed and verified using the simulation for the first time. It has been found that the total number of unit cells and carbon atoms within an overall unit cell and molecular structure of a GNR have been changed with the change in their chirality values which are similar to the values calculated using the developed analytical expressions thus validating both the simulation as well as analytical results. Further, the electronic band structures at different chirality values have been shown for the identification of metallic and semiconductor properties of a GNR. It has been concluded that all zigzag edge GNRs are metallic with very small band gaps range whereas all armchair GNRs show both the metallic and semiconductor nature with very small and high band gaps range. Again, the total number of subbands in each electronic band structure is equal to the total number of carbon atoms present in overall unit cell of the corresponding GNR. The semiconductors GNRs can be used as a channel material in field effect transistor suitable for advanced CMOS technology whereas the metallic GNRs could be used for interconnect.

Sandwiched Fe3O4/Carboxylate Graphene Oxide Nanostructures Constructed by Layer-by-Layer Assembly for Highly Efficient and Magnetically Recyclable Dye Removal

Two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials generally display some limitations in adsorption applications due to easy agglomeration. To solve this problem, as-synthesized sandwiched nanocomposites made of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, poly(allylamine) hydrochloride molecules, and carboxylate graphene oxide sheets were prepared using a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. The successfully synthesized sandwiched structures in the present nanocomposites have outstanding organic dye adsorption performance, stability, and recycling. The agglomeration of carboxylate graphene oxide was reduced with increased specific surface area because the Fe3O4 nanoparticles play important roles in interpenetrating and supporting graphene oxide sheets layers. In comparison with other kinds of composite adsorbents, the preparation process of the present new sandwiched composite materials is facile to operate and regulate, which demonstrates potential large-scale applications in wastewater treatment and dye removal.

Nano-bio interactions between carbon nanomaterials and blood plasma proteins: why oxygen functionality matters

Carbon nanomaterials are some of the most versatile nanomaterials. Along with increasing explorations into their utilization in a plethora of biological and biomedical applications, there have been emerging interests and needs in understanding the molecular hemocompatibility of these engineered nanomaterials when coming into contact with blood. Here, we evaluate the nano-bio interactions of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials with blood plasma proteins. Different facets of the nanomaterial–protein interactions, specifically, the adsorption, equilibrium binding and conformational stability of proteins upon association with carbon nanomaterials are established, based on the quantification of various parameters, such as association constant, binding cooperativity and protein secondary structural change. In light of our data, we demonstrate that the carbon nanomaterial–plasma protein interactions may be significantly influenced by the density of the oxygenated functionalities of the nanomaterials and to a certain extent, their dimensionality and surface area. This work offers a broad insight into the nano-bio interactions between carbon nanomaterials and blood plasma proteins and provides a strong basis for the design and use of 1D and 2D carbon nanomaterials for a wide variety of bioapplications.

Bioinspired graphene-based nanocomposites and their application in electronic devices

The increasingly popular flexible electronic devices, such as electronic papers, touch screens, roll-up displays, and wearable sensors, etc., require maintaining high performance, including mechanical and electrical properties, under repeatable deformation state. Graphene, as a two dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterial with integrated high mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, could serve as the ideal building block for constructing functional materials in application of flexible electronic devices. There have been several attempts to use graphene-based nanocomposites in these devices. However, their assembly using traditional approaches, exhibit relatively poor mechanical and electrical properties, which largely limits the efficiency of these devices. Thus, it remains a great challenge to assemble microscopic graphene nanosheets into macroscopic high performance graphene-based nanocomposites. As known, the performance usually depends on the unique structure of materials, especially for the nanocomposites. Thus, it will be the next hot-topic that how to achieve the high performance flexible electronic device through designing and constructing the unique structures of graphene-based nanocomposites. Nacre, the “gold standard” for biomimicry with both high strength and toughness, has been the source of inspiration for designing many synthetic hybrid materials and nanocomposites. This is achieved through a precise architecture that resembles that of a brick wall, and the clever design of the interface. Compared to other approaches for constructing graphene-based nanocomposites, this bioinspired concept results in good dispersion, high loading and excellent interfacial interaction design. The resultant bioinspired graphene-based nanocomposites (BGBNs) demonstrate significant enhancement in mechanical and electrical properties. In this review, we summerize recent research progress on the BGBNs, following the research philosophy of discovery, invention, creation. Firstly, we analyze in detail the sophisticated interfacial architecture of natural nacre, which is responsible for its unique integration of high strength and toughness. Subsequently, we discuss the excellent mechanical and elertrical properties of graphene nanosheets. Then, we analyze and compare the effect of different interfacical interactions on the mecahnical and electrical properties of BGBNs. Furthermore, we discuss the synergistic effect from different interfacial interactions and building blocks for the fabrication of integrated strong and tough BGBNs. We highlight the fundamental physical properties of BGBNs, such as strength, toughness, and electrical conductivity. Specially, some other functions, including fatigue resistance, fire-retardant properties, etc., are also discussed. In addition, we also summarize the applications of BGBNs in flexible electronic devices, and discuss their challenges. Finally, we offer a perspective on the roadmap and target for BGBNs in the next 5−10 year as follows: (1) The essence of synergistic effect through different interfacial interactions and building blocks should be demonstrated and revealed by further theoretical simulation. (2) The tensile strength and stiffness of BGBNs can reach up to that comparable to carbon fiber reinforced composites, realizing application of BGBNs as structural materials in aerospace and aeronautics. (3) The integrated electrical and fatigue resistant properties should be simultaneously enhanced to satisfy the needs of flexible and wearable electronic devices. (4) Some simple, easy operation techniques will be explored for scaling up the fabrication of BGBNs, which could provide amount of BGBNs for practical applications in many fields.

Ultrathin Nitrogen‐Enriched Hybrid Carbon Nanosheets for Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Rate Performance and High Energy Density

AbstractTwo‐dimensional carbon nanosheets are promising materials as supercapacitor electrodes for high‐efficiency energy storage. Herein, a simple strategy is engineered to configure ultrathin nitrogen‐enriched hybrid carbon nanosheets (HCNSs) with a thickness of approximately 3.6 nm using graphene oxide as a structure‐directing agent and nano‐CaCO3 as an in‐situ‐activated agent. The polydopamine synthesized in situ on the graphene oxide sheet surface is used as a nitrogen‐rich carbon precursor, leading to the formation of nearly transparent nitrogen‐enriched HCNSs under an electron beam. Benefiting from the nitrogen‐enriched species (8.92 wt % N content), highly exposed electroactive sites and fast ion/electron transport arising from the porous and ultrathin nanosheet structure, the HCNS electrode exhibits remarkably enhanced electrochemical characteristics with a high specific capacitance of 227 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and superior rate capability (70 % capacitance retention at 100 A g−1) in 6 m KOH electrolyte. More importantly, it delivers a high energy density of 86.6 W h kg−1 at a power density of 111 W kg−1 in a 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid electrolyte. This study might shed new light on the configuration of nitrogen‐enriched and ultrathin 2D carbon nanomaterials for high‐efficiency energy storage/conversion devices.

Three-Dimensional Graphene Network As a Highly Macro-Porous, Flexible and Large-Scale Electrode for Supercapacitor Application

Graphene, a two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterial, was widely used in many electrochemical applications due to their high mechanical strength, good chemical stability, high specific surface area, and excellent electrical conductivity. However, the major concern for those applications was the activity reaction surface area of the 2D plane structure of graphene. Therefore, in order to enhance the reaction surface area of graphene, the development of a highly porous network-macrostructure with large surface area three-dimensional graphene is an effective strategy to be achieved for electrochemical applications. In this study, we reported an effective and simple method to prepare highly macro-porous, large-scale and flexible three-dimensional graphene foam (3D GF) which was synthesized on the commercial nickel network via the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The quality of 3D GF was investigated by using a Raman spectroscopy. A field-emission scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the surface morphology of 3D GF. A high-resolution transmission electron microscopy was utilized to analyze the inter-layer distance and the number of layers of graphene. Raman results revealed the highly uniform performance of the large-scale 3D GFs. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) were carried out to examine the electrochemical properties. Compared with the traditional 2D plane-structure graphene synthesized on the Ni foil, the CV and EIS results measured by the 3D GF confirmed its superior capacitive behavior, higher specific surface area, and also demonstrated the excellent power capabilities with a low solution resistance and charge transfer resistance. It was found that the specific capacitance of 3D GF was three times larger than the traditional 2D plane-structure graphene. In this study, a tube furnace thermal CVD was utilized to synthesize the large-scale 3D GF. The Ni forms can be curled and loaded into the tube furnace for CVD processes to fabricate the large-scale 3D GFs easily. We provided an easy method to fabricate the highly macro-porous, large-scale and flexible 3D GFs for the future graphene-based potential applications.

1D/2D Carbon Nanomaterial-Polymer Dielectric Composites with High Permittivity for Power Energy Storage Applications.

With the development of flexible electronic devices and large-scale energy storage technologies, functional polymer-matrix nanocomposites with high permittivity (high-k) are attracting more attention due to their ease of processing, flexibility, and low cost. The percolation effect is often used to explain the high-k characteristic of polymer composites when the conducting functional fillers are dispersed into polymers, which gives the polymer composite excellent flexibility due to the very low loading of fillers. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNs), as one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials respectively, have great potential for realizing flexible high-k dielectric nanocomposites. They are becoming more attractive for many fields, owing to their unique and excellent advantages. The progress in dielectric fields by using 1D/2D carbon nanomaterials as functional fillers in polymer composites is introduced, and the methods and mechanisms for improving dielectric properties, breakdown strength and energy storage density of their dielectric nanocomposites are examined. Achieving a uniform dispersion state of carbon nanomaterials and preventing the development of conductive networks in their polymer composites are the two main issues that still need to be solved in dielectric fields for power energy storage. Recent findings, current problems, and future perspectives are summarized.

Carbon nanomaterials for simultaneous determination of dopamine and uric acid in the presence of ascorbic acid: from one-dimensional to the quasi one-dimensional

The one dimensional (1D) carbon nanomaterials have been conceived as the suitable candidate for the biosensor, but the effect of their structures on the biosensing properties was deficient. Here, we chose carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoribbons (GONRs) as models for 1D and quasi 1D carbon nanomaterials, and partially unzipped CNTs (PUCNTs) as an intermediate material, to investigate structure-dependent electrocatalysis of 1D carbon nanomaterials. The 1D to quasi 1D carbon nanomaterials with various surface areas, defect densities and oxygen contents were used to modify the electrodes and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activities and performances towards UA and DA without the influence of AA. The CNTs with low oxygen and defect content helped to induce direct electron transfer and displayed a highest sensitivity; with abundant oxygen functional groups, the GONRs exhibited a broadest linear detection range; for the intermediate material, PUCNTs showed secondary electrochemical response for UA and DA. Additionally, the 1D carbon materials were applied in the real samples with satisfactory results. The 1D carbon materials demonstrated different electrochemical behaviors and thus can provide rational choices for developing higher sensitivity and wider linear range biosensors by optimizing and controlling the nanostructure.

Emulsion droplets as a dynamic interface for the direct and large-scale synthesis of ultrathin free-standing mesoporous silica films as well as 2D polymeric and carbon nanomaterials.

The efficient synthesis of free-standing mesostructured two-dimensional (2D) nanofilms with high-yield as well as good control of composite, mesophase structure, orientation of the pore channel and thickness represents a big challenge. In this work, it was serendipitously found that microemulsion droplets of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) could serve as a novel dynamic interface for continuous growth of nanofilms. Based on this finding, a general, efficient strategy for the direct and large-scale synthesis of free-standing mesoporous silica films (FSMSFs) was developed. Remarkably, with the careful control of the synthesis conditions, the FSMSFs with high-yield as well as good control of composite, mesophase structure, orientation of the pore channel and thickness could be efficiently achievable. More importantly, by using polymerizable surfactants the preorganized monomers in the nanochannels of the resultant silica films could be further converted into 2D polymers and carbon nanomaterials as well as metal particle-decorated forms, as exemplified by using pyrrole-terminated surfactants, demonstrating a powerful method to create 2D inorganic, organic or hybrid functional nanomaterials.

Polynaphthoxazine-based 1D carbon nano-materials: electrospun fabrication, characterization and electrochemical properties

Polynaphthoxazine-based 1D carbon nano-materials were fabricated by a single-nozzle electrospinning process in a mixed polymer solution followed by curing and carbonization.

A Hetero-Bifunctional Spacer for the Smart Engineering of Carbon-Based Nanostructures

Invited for this month's cover are collaborators from four different Italian research groups, three at the National Research Council (ICCOM, IFAC, and ISOF) and one at the University of Florence. The cover picture shows a representative cartoon of engineered 1D carbon nanomaterials and their effective surface decoration with (bio)molecules and fluorescent markers. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201402391.

Assessing in vivo toxicity of graphene materials: current methods and future outlook.

Graphene, a novel 2D carbon nanomaterial with unique properties, has attracted massive attention. Evaluating its toxicity is of great significance due to its potential applications in many fields, especially in biomedicine. In this review, the toxicity of graphene-based nanomaterials (GNMs) and related mechanisms at the molecular and cellular level, various approaches to evaluation of the in vivo toxicity of GNMs and major factors defining their toxicity will be discussed and summarized. This review will allow better understanding of the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of GNMs, which, we believe, may facilitate design and fabrication of novel, biocompatible and efficient GNM-based systems for biomedical applications.

Graphene based composite for electromagnetic interference shielding

Because of the wide use of commercial, military, and scientific electronic devices and communication instruments, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of radio frequency radiation continues to be a serious concern for modern society. The preparation of EMI shielding materials has obtained an increased attention in the academic and industrial field. Compared to the conventional metal-based EMI materials, polymer conposites containing carbon-based nanofillers have their own advantages, such as being lightweight, resistance to corrosion, excellent processability, and broad absorption bandwith and flexible. Graphene, a new class of 2D carbon nanomaterials, possesses extraordinary electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. These unique features offer great promise for its use in EMI shielding. Besides, for the application in special fields such as aerospace, weapon equipment, military protection, vehicles and microelectronics where the materials with superior thermal stability, excellent mechanical properties, perfect radiation, and electrical resistant performance are required, high performance graphene composites could be a better candidate to fulfill the task. In this review, EMI shielding graphene based composite were classified by the method of graphene preparation.

Carbon and Inorganic Nanostructure Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering

Introduction: Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer widely investigated for bone tissue engineering applications. Various nanomaterials such as fullerenes, single- and multi- walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs, MWCNTs) and alumoxane nanoparticles have been used as reinforcing agents to improve the mechanical properties of PPF nanocomposites [1, 2, 3]. In this study, we have investigated the mechanical properties of PPF nanocomposites fabricated using various 1D and 2D carbon and inorganic nanomaterials such as single- and multi- walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT, MWCNT), single- and multi- walled graphene oxide nanoribbons (SWGONR, MWGONR), graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONP), tungsten di-sulfite nanotubes (WS2) and molybdenum di-sulfite nanoplatelets (MSNP) as reinforcing agents [4]. The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the effects of nanostructure architecture (1D nanostructure (e.g. nanotube) vs. 2D nanostructure (e.g. graphene)), and (2) effects of chemical composition (inorganic vs. carbon nanoparticles) of reinforcing agents on the mechanical properties of PPF. Materials and Methods: PPF was synthesized using a two-step condensation reaction of diethyl fumarate and propylene glycol as described previously and characterized by H1-NMR (structure) and GPC (molecular weight). Longitudinal unzipping method was used to synthesize SWGONRs and MWGONRs form SWCNTs and MWCNTs, respectively. Modified Hummer’s method was used to synthesize GONPs. Inorganic nanomaterials (WS2 nanotubes and MSNPs) were synthesized using literature methods. Nanomaterials were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, AFM and HRTEM. Specimens were thermally crosslinked (60°C) into sample sizes according to ASTM standards for compression and three-point bend testing. Sol fraction analysis was performed to assess the crosslinking density of PPF nanocomposites after thermal crosslinking. Results and Discussion: PPF nanocomposites with 2D nanostructures showed significant improvements in the mechanical properties compared to positive controls (1D nanostructure reinforced PPF composites) and baseline controls (PPF composites without nanomaterials). For example, 0.2 wt% loading of MSNPs leads to ~ 100% increase in the Young’s modulus compared to PPF composites (baseline control). Additionally, inorganic nanostructures showed better or equivalent mechanical reinforcement compared to carbon nanostructures at all loading concentrations. The results indicate that the extent of mechanical reinforcement is closely dependent on the nanostructure morphology and follows the trend: nanoplatelets > nanoribbons > nanotubes. In general inorganic nanoparticles show equivalent or better mechanical reinforcement compared to carbon nanoparticles. TEM analysis of crosslinked nanocomposites indicates good dispersion of nanomaterials in the polymer matrix. Sol-fraction analysis showed increase in the crosslinking density of PPF nanocomposites at all concentrations of MSNP and WS2, and higher concentrations of GONP and MWGONR (0.1-0.2 wt%). These results suggest that the increase in the mechanical properties of 2D carbon and inorganic nanocomposites is due to increases in the crosslinking density of PPF (maybe due to formation of PPF-nanomaterial crosslinking). Additionally, presence of structural defects and functional groups on the nanostructures can lead to increased polymer-nanomaterial interaction, thereby increasing the mechanical properties. Conclusion: Carbon (SWCNT, MWCNT, MWGONR, SWGONR and GONP) and inorganic- nanoparticles (WS2 nanotubes and MSNPs) as reinforcing agents significantly improve the mechanical properties of PPF. In general, 2D and inorganic nanostructures show equivalent or better mechanical reinforcement than 1D and carbon nanostructures, respectively. Figure Caption: Compressive Modulus of PPF Nanocomposites

Graphene-like nanostructures obtained from Biomass

ABSTRACTTwo dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials such as few graphite layers or graphene are extensively studied due to their unique properties suitable to be exploiting in a wide range of technological applications. Recently, the growth of high quality graphene monolayers using insects and waste as carbon precursors was reported in the literature. This methodology opened a new way to convert the waste carbon into a high-value-added product. In the present work coconut coir dust, an agroindustrial biomass, was used as biotemplate for preparing carbonaceous materials. Carbon structures were synthesized through pyrolysis under nitrogen atmosphere (100mL/min) at 500, 1000, and 1500°C during 2 hours. Starting materials were coconut coir dust in natura and coconut coir dust hydrothermally treated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Raman spectra showed the D band for all samples, related to the presence of defects in sp2 carbon structure and G band, indicative of graphite crystallites. It was also observed that the sample carbonized at 1500°C from coconut coir dust treated by hydrothermal method showed G’ band at 2685cm-1 associated with the stacking order along the c-axis. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a broad peak around 2θ= 22° related to the presence of amorphous carbon. By increasing the pyrolysis temperature changes in XRD diffractograms were observed and the sample which was pyrolysed at 1500°C from coconut coir dust hydrothermally treated showed peaks at 2θ= 26.5°, 43° e 45° assigned to (002), (100) (101) graphite plans, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the presence of overlapping sheets and plates. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images of coconut coir dust in natura unveiled the formation of amorphous sheet. Coconut coir dust in natura and treated by the hydrothermal method pyrolysed at 1500°C, lead to the formation of some graphitic domains and few graphene layers.

Behavior and Toxicity of Graphene and Its Functionalized Derivatives in Biological Systems

Graphene, as a class of 2D carbon nanomaterial, has attracted tremendous interest in different areas in recent years including biomedicine. The toxicity and behavior of graphene in biological systems are thus important fundamental issues that require significant attention. In this article, the toxicity of graphene is reviewed by describing the behavior of graphene and its derivatives in microorganisms, cells, and animals. Despite certain inconsistencies in several detailed experimental results and hypotheses of toxicity mechanisms, results from numerous reports all agree that the physicochemical properties such as surface functional groups, charges, coatings, sizes, and structural defects of graphene may affect its in vitro/in vivo behavior as well as its toxicity in biological systems. It is hoped that this review article will provide an overview understanding of the impacts, behavior, and toxicology of graphene and its derivatives in various biological systems.

Synthesis of One-Dimensional Carbon Nanomaterials Wrapped by Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Behavior

One-dimensional (1D) carbon nanomaterials wrapped by silver nanoparticles were fabricated via a facile and environmentally benign route with the assistance of supercritical carbon dioxide. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were densely coated by silver nanoparticles under the optimized experimental condition. In the case of carbon nanotube/silver (CNT/Ag) nanohybrids, these silver nanoparticles on the surface of carbon nanotubes were predominantly spherical in shape with excellent dispersion, and their sizes were smaller than that on carbon nanofibers. The UV−vis spectra presented a surface plasmon resonance vibration band at 448 and 414 nm for CNFs and CNTs, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the nanoparticles were of a face centered cubic structure. Some crucial factors, which affect the growing and arraying of Ag nanoparticles along the axis of 1D carbon nanomaterials, had been investigated. As examples for promising applications, the antibacterial activities of the as-prepared one-dimensional nanocomposites were also studied.

Functionalized Graphenes and Thermoplastic Nanocomposites Based upon Expanded Graphite Oxide

Exfoliation of expanded GO represents an attractive route to functionalized graphenes as versatile 2D carbon nanomaterials and components of a wide variety of polymer nanocomposites. Thermally reduced graphite oxides (TrGO) with specific surface areas of 600 to 950 m(2) · g(-1) were obtained by oxidation of graphite followed by thermal expansion at 600 °C. Thermal post treatment at 700 °C and 1 000 °C increased carbon content (81 to 97 wt.-%) and lowered resistivity (1 600 to 50 Ω · cm). During melt extrusion with PC, iPP, SAN and PA6, exfoliation afforded uniformly dispersed graphenes with aspect ratio > 200. In comparison to conventional 0D and 1D carbon nanoparticles, TrGO afforded nanocomposites with improved stiffness and lower percolation threshold. Recent progress and new strategies in development of functionalized graphenes and graphene-based nanocomposites are highlighted.