Graphene-based Composites Research Articles

Synthesis of Graphene-based Polymer Nanocomposites and comparison of properties

Biodegradable polymers promise a more sustainable future. Among a wide range of biopolymers utilized, Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) possess better biomechanical and functional characteristics and is used in various level of applications. However, to have better suitability for biomedical applications, it is necessary to enhance the overall performance of PLA such as biodegradability, porosity, and mechanical properties. Reinforcement of the matrix material with nanofiller is a commonly used method to achieve this. Graphene is the most versatile material with exotic mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Its combination with polymers can create wonders. Graphene-based polymer composites exhibit potential use in various fields that include energy storage, biomedical use, and environmental applications. In this work, nanocomposites of PLA with graphene derivatives like Graphene Oxide (GO) and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) were fabricated by the solvent casting method. The composites' biological and mechanical properties were investigated and compared. Results demonstrate that the incorporation of GO and rGO enhanced the properties of PLA. The mechanical parameters of the composites with rGO were higher than those of the composites with GO in terms of tensile strength and Young's modulus. A reduction in elongation at break was observed for composites reinforced with rGO. PLA/rGO composites exhibit higher mechanical and biological properties than PLA/GO composites. The developed nanocomposite will be a promising competitor in the research arena with potential applications.

Quasi-ohmic contact formation assisted by the back contact with Cu2Te nanoparticles@reduced graphene oxide composites for highly efficient CdTe solar cells

Composite materials based on reduced graphene oxide decorated with cuprous telluride nanoparticles (Cu2Te NPs@rGO) were fabricated using a facilitated two-step method. A back-contact layer was formed using a spin-coating method for cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells. This research is aimed to improve the photovoltaic performance of a device containing Cu2Te NPs@rGO/Au back contacts. Cu2Te NPs, as the active copper diffusion source, dope and passivate the interfaces and grain boundaries of CdTe to form the p+-layer, which can reduce the recombination centers and back-contact barrier height. Simultaneously, the reduced graphene oxide (rGO), as a buffer and carrier transport layer, prevents excessive copper diffusion during the annealing process and improves the hole collection capacity. The p-type layer formed by the rGO contact with the Au film enhances hole transport and facilitates a low-resistance contact formation, forming a quasi-ohmic contact, and increases the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density. Cu2Te NPs@rGO/Au back contacts significantly improved the photovoltaic performance (Eff: 16.5%, Voc: 830 mV, Jsc: 27.13 mA/cm2, fill factor: 73.3%, area: 0.24 cm2). The composites retain properties of Cu2Te NPs and rGO. Their multifunctional properties reveal the potential of Cu2Te NPs@rGO as the back contact and broaden the application of graphene-based composites in photovoltaic devices. Additionaly, the preparation of graphene-based composites and their application as back contact is simple and convenient.

Nanosafety Analysis of Graphene-Based Polyester Resin Composites on a Life Cycle Perspective.

The use, production, and disposal of engineering nanomaterials (ENMs), including graphene-related materials (GRMs), raise concerns and questions about possible adverse effects on human health and the environment, considering the lack of harmonized toxicological data on ENMs and the ability of these materials to be released into the air, soil, or water during common industrial processes and/or accidental events. Within this context, the potential release of graphene particles, their agglomerates, and aggregates (NOAA) as a result of sanding of a battery of graphene-based polyester resin composite samples intended to be used in a building was examined. The analyzed samples were exposed to different weathering conditions to evaluate the influence of the weathering process on the morphology and size distribution of the particles released. Sanding studies were conducted in a tailored designed sanding bench connected to time and size resolving measurement devices. Particle size distributions and particle number concentration were assessed using an optical particle counter (OPC) and a condensation particle counter (CPC), respectively, during the sanding operation. A scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analysis was performed to adequately characterize the morphology, size, and chemical composition of the released particles. A toxicity screening study of pristine and graphene-based nanocomposites released using the aquatic macroinvertebrate Daphnia magna and relevant human cell lines was conducted to support risk assessment and decision making. The results show a significant release of nanoscale materials during machining operations, including differences attributed to the % of graphene and weathering conditions. The cell line tests demonstrated a higher effect in the human colon carcinoma cell line Caco2 than in the human fibroblasts (A549 cell line), which means that composites released to the environment could have an impact on human health and biota.

Graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids for the abatement of agro-industrial pollutants in aqueous environments

Incessant release of a large spectrum of agro-industrial pollutants into environmental matrices remains a serious concern due to their potential health risks to humans and aquatic animals. Existing remediation techniques are unable to remove these pollutants, necessitating the development of novel treatment approaches. Due to its unique structure, physicochemical properties, and broad application potential, graphene has attracted a lot of attention as a new type of two-dimensional nanostructure. Given its chemical stability, large surface area, electron mobility, superior thermal conductivity, and two-dimensional structure, tremendous research has been conducted on graphene and its derived composites for environmental remediation and pollution mitigation. Various methods for graphene functionalization have facilitated the development of different graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO), functional reduced graphene oxide (frGO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with novel attributes for multiple applications. This review provides a comprehensive read on the recent progress of multifunctional graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids as a promising way of removing emerging contaminants from aqueous environments. First, a succinct overview of the fundamental structure, fabrication techniques, and features of graphene-based composites is presented. Following that, graphene and GO functionalization, i.e., covalent bonding, non-covalent, and elemental doping, are discussed. Finally, the environmental potentials of a plethora of graphene-based hybrid nanocomposites for the abatement of organic and inorganic contaminants are thoroughly covered.

Synthesis of tetragonal copper-nickel ferrite decorated nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide composite as a thin and high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorber

The development of graphene-based magnetic composites with strong absorption, wide bandwidth and thin thickness remains a great challenge. In this work, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/copper-nickel ferrite (NRGO/Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4) composite was fabricated via a one-step hydrothermal process. Results demonstrated that the microscopic morphology and electromagnetic (EM) absorbing performance of as-synthesized magnetic composites were greatly influenced by the type and composition of spinel ferrites. Significantly, the attained NRGO/Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 composite showed a good dispersion of particles, and a large number of tetragonal Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles were almost homogeneously loaded on the rippled and wrinkled surfaces of lamellar NRGO. Compared with NRGO/CuFe2O4 and NRGO/NiFe2O4 composites, the NRGO/Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 composite presented the notably enhanced EM absorbing performance. It was noteworthy that the optimal minimum reflection loss reached up to − 67.4 dB and maximum effective absorption bandwidth achieved 4.7 GHz under a very thin matching thickness of 1.7 mm and a filler loading content of 50 wt%. Furthermore, the possible EM dissipation mechanism had been proposed. The results of this work would provide a reference for the development of RGO-based composites as thin and high-performance EM wave absorbers.

Light-weight, low-loading and large-sheet reduced graphene oxide for high-efficiency microwave absorber

Carbon materials are extensively used in lightweight and efficient microwave absorption (MA) due to their low density. However, the single carbon material has poor impedance matching and absorbing performance. Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are widely used as carbon materials with customizable dielectric properties, but there are still problems of poor MA and high loading. In this work, a series of large-sheet GO with different reduction degrees were prepared by a simple and controlled thermal reduction method, and their MA properties were investigated. The analysis of the composition, structure and MA performance of graphene showed that the MA performance of rGO was closely related to the reduction degree and the size of the sheet. Large sheet graphene was more likely to overlap each other to form a conductive network, reducing the filler loading. Meanwhile, after mixing rGO with different reduction degrees, the optimal reflection loss was −59.12 dB, which was 2.13 times and 1.59 times of the original single component. The effective absorption bandwidth was 3.54 GHz and the loading was only 1.5 wt%. This work provided a promising approach for constructing graphene-based composites with strong MA ability at low filler loadings.

Manufacturing Process and Emerging Advantage of Graphene Based Composites in Aerospace- A Review

The cardinal pillar for this paper is to showcase the composition of Graphene-based composites and reveal the hidden uses of Graphene-based composites in aerospace dominion. This paper briefly discusses the different methods by which graphene-based composites can be synthesized mostly those with functional polymers and inorganic nanostructures and additionally covers a few of the applications of graphene-based composites such as lightweight, fire retardancy, and additive manufacturing. Moreover, this detailed paper also brings up crucial highlights where graphene-based composites have covered long distances from the research lab to commercialization, specifically focusing on aerospace industries.

The promoted photocatalytic mechanism of N-doped graphene/TiO2 composites: From experiment to theory

Degradation of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) by graphene-based semiconductor composites is an effective photocatalytic method. To make full use of the solar energy, the composites were doped by non-metal atoms. One critical issue for the composites is understanding the electronic property relating to light absorption and carrier transfer. In this study, the NG (N-doped graphene)/TiO2 composites were fabricated, characterized and deeply investigated based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Particularly, the resultant new energy levels in the band structure could decrease the bandgap of semiconductor, promote charge-transfer at the interface of graphene and TiO2, improve the light absorption, and finally enhance the photocatalytic activities. An excellent agreement of electron properties is found between our theoretical calculations and the characterization analysis of UV–vis DRS and RAMAN spectra. A possible photocatalytic mechanism based on the band structure and ESR result was developed. Thus, the NG/TiO2 composite could be a promising photocatalyst for UDMH degradation under the visible light.

Hydrothermally synthesized Gd-doped BiSbO4 nanoparticles and their graphene-based composite: A novel photocatalytic material

Developing and fabricating highly effective semiconducting photocatalysts for wastewater treatment is a promising approach to dealing with environmental sustainability concerns. Bismuth antimony (BiSbO4) has gained considerable interest as a photocatalyst for water remediation applications. On the other hand, poor charge separation, slower charge transfer, rapid electron-hole pair recombination, and a wider bandgap severely limit its practical applications. Herein, novel rare-earth (Gd3+) doped BiSbO4 nanoparticles were fabricated via a facile hydrothermal approach, and these nanoparticles were anchored on 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets to form nanocomposite (rGO/Gd-BiSbO4) to remove toxic pollutants from industrial effluents. We investigated the photocatalytic performance of fabricated rGO/Gd-BiSbO4 nanocomposites compared with Gd-BiSbO4 and pure BiSbO4 under visible light irradiation, which removes Methylene Blue (MB) organic dye. Compared with pristine BiSbO4 and Gd-BiSbO4 photocatalysts, the rGO-based Gd-BiSbO4 nanocomposite exhibited notably higher photocatalytic activity for degrading MB dye. Statistically, after 70 ​min of illumination under visible light, the nude BiSbO4, Gd-BiSbO4, and rGO/Gd-BiSbO4 photocatalysts degraded approximately 47.1%, 58.4%, and 95.6% of the dye in an aqueous solution, respectively. The kinetic studies showed that the rGO supported Gd-BiSbO4 photocatalyst removed the MB dye at a rate constant (k) of 0.0295 min-1, which was 2.54-fold and 3.39-fold greater than Gd-BiSbO4 (k ​= ​0.0116 min-1), and BiSbO4 (k ​= ​0.0087 min-1), correspondingly. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the rGO/Gd-BiSbO4 nanocomposite is primarily due to its robust and unique structure, which is a result of the synergetic effects of the highly conducting rGO matrix and the Gd3+ ion. The rGO nanosheets promote the faster migration of photoinduced electrons and suppress electron-hole pair recombination in this nanocomposite structure. These nanosheets act as an efficient cocatalyst to provide more adsorption sites for MB molecules and accelerate the dye degradation process. The current study paves the way to developing a versatile, economical, and highly efficient rGO/Gd-BiSbO4 photocatalyst for removing organic pollutants found in industrial waste.

Towards functionalized graphene/polymer monolithic structures for selective CO2 capture

A design of efficient adsorbent for CO 2 selective capture without secondary pollution and by low carbon footprint strategies is crucial towards the decreasing of CO 2 atmospheric concentration. To answer to this demand, in this work we present a versatile and robust technique for production of functionalized 3D porous graphene/polymer monolithic structures based on aqueous self-assembly process, in which the graphene functionalization occurred simultaneously throughout spontaneous addition of functionalized waterborne polymer particles. It was shown that the composite monoliths are truly products-by-process, as their final characteristic can be designed during the synthesis by varying the reaction parameters. The addition of polymer particles to the graphene skeleton was an excellent tool to control the textural properties, resulting in enlarged fraction of micropores, because the polymer particles act as spacers between rGO platelets. The higher microporosity certainly affected positively the performance, especially the selectivity of CO 2 adsorption over that of N 2 , offering alternative technology for post-production CO 2 capture. • Graphene-based polymer porous composites were synthesized under mild conditions. • Functionalized polymer particles were straightforwardly incorporated. • Chemical and textural characteristics were related to CO 2 adsorption and selectivity. • Materials with high-capacity selective CO 2 capture are promising for practical use.

Mechanical, microstructural and electrical properties of Al7075/SiC based hybrid composites with nano B4C, Graphene and CNT reinforcements

Superfluous properties of Graphene and CNT reinforced composites are making significant revolution in the application area of metal matrix nano-composites. Fabrication of these composites without any flaw is the challenging task due to its inherent properties such as limited wettability, unique structure, load transfer efficiency, shape and size. The individual reinforcements such as 0.1wt.% B4C, 0.1wt.% Graphene and 0.1wt.% CNT were successfully incorporated in common Al7075/10wt.% SiC base through squeeze casting method combined with ultrasonic vibration. The influence of reinforcements on the mechanical, metallurgical and electrical properties of the composites was analysed in this study. The hardness value of the B4C-based, Graphene-based and CNT-based composites has enhanced to 167 BHN, 145 BHN and 135 BHN respectively from the base matrix. Tensile strength has also improved to 239 MPa, 324 MPa and 308 MPa. In the case of micro-structural characteristics, the addition of Graphene in the Graphene reinforced composite improved the grain structure due to the grain refining effect followed by the CNT and B4C reinforced composites with the similar weight fraction and processing methods. The influence of various reinforcements was analysed using Optical Microscope (OM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques. Addition of Graphene and CNT increased the electrical conductivity of respective composites to 24.2 MS/m and 21.1 MS/m.

Cationic graphene-based polymer composite modified with chromium-based metal-organic framework [GP/MIL-53(Cr)] for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in aqueous solution

Owing to its remarkable water stability, chromium-based metal-organic framework (MIL-53(Cr) has the capacity to remove 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from aqueous solutions, but the weak adsorptive capacity of the adsorbent limits its utilization. In this work, cationic graphene-based polymer composite (GP) was successfully synthesized with (MIL-53(Cr)) [GP/MIL-53(Cr)] through one-step solvothermal technique and characterized with XRD, SEM, BET, XPS, TEM, and FTIR. Adsorbent dose, pH, initial concentration, and contact time were enhanced to improve the performance of GP/MIL-53(Cr). GP/MIL-53(Cr) displayed a marginal adsorptive performance relative to MIL-53(Cr) and GP. The adsorption of 2,4-DCP mainly depends on the nature of MIL-53(Cr) and the electrostatic attractions of the functional groups on GP surface. Due to the high magnetic properties of GP/MIL-53(Cr), effective solid–liquid separation can be easily achieved. The adsorbate mineralization process stabilizes at 200 min. The pseudo-second-order model adequately fits the adsorption kinetic data, while the Freundlich and Langmuir models gave a good fit with the equilibrium data. The maximum adsorptive capacity of the adsorbents for the adsorbate as calculated from the Langmuir isotherm are 64.9 (GP), 28.2 MIL-53(Cr), and 98.4 mg/g (GP/MIL-53(Cr). The thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic. Additionally, the excellent performance of GP/MIL-53(Cr) shows that the adsorbent has potential application in treating wastewater.

Effects of an industrial graphene grade and surface finishing on water and oxygen permeability, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) multilayered cast films

Graphene-based composites are promising candidates to improve properties in flexible packaging to protect electronic devices. However, the literature hardly addresses the industrial scale requirements. In this context, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a common packaging material, and an industrial grade graphene (G) were used to prepare multilayered composites by cast film coextrusion, a flexible-packaging-industry compatible technique. The effects of G content and surface finishing on HDPE films’ properties were investigated. Experimental results showed that a maximum permeability reduction of 43% at 0.5 wt% of G was achieved. Such result was associated with a good dispersion efficiency and with the filler’s aspect ratio. However, as the concentration of G increased both barrier and mechanical properties worsened due to a poor dispersion of G within the composite. Additionally, it was found that surface finishing induced defects increasing permeability despite improvements in visible light transmittance and reduction of surface roughness. These defects can be successfully prevented using a proper design of layers during coextrusion. In summary, the present study showed the feasibility of G-based flexible packaging film applications at an industrial scale. The importance of G dispersion and of layer design to achieve improved barrier properties should be emphasized.

Graphene-based Nanocomposites for Automotive and Off-highway Vehicle Applications: A Review

Abstract: Abstract Abstract: Nanocomposites comprised of a polymer matrix and various types of nanosized fillers have remained one of the most important engineering materials and continue to draw great interest in the research community and industry. In particular, graphene in nanocomposites that possess high thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical, electrical, and optical properties have turned out to be promising fillers for making the next generation of advanced high-performance materials. Though large-scale production of graphene-based nanocomposites is a bit challenging due to the mechanical, functional, and interfacial properties of the graphene and polymer matrix under severe loading conditions, the automotive and off-highway machinery industries are expected to utilize the most modern composite materials, such as graphene-based nanocomposites, to create lighter, stronger, safer, and more energy-efficient cars in the future. Graphene-based material strategies have been investigated and demonstrated to be effective for structural applications in various industries, including electronics, electromechanical, and energy systems. However, currently, there is only limited research highlighting the specific knowledge available for design engineers and researchers involved in providing lightweight but strong solutions using graphene-based materials for automotive and off-highway vehicle applications. The present review presents an overview of the latest studies that utilize graphene-based nanomaterials and their composites in automotive and off-highway machinery applications. First, the paper describes the concept of traditional composites used presently in the engineering industries by considering its advantages and limitations. Then, it highlights the key benefits of using nanostructured carbon materials, such as graphene, through some recent studies available in the literature. Subsequently, it depicts the various mechanisms of integrating graphene as polymer reinforcements within the composite materials based on the survey and their related modelling, designing, and manufacturing capabilities suitable for the automotive and off-highway machinery industry. Finally, it outlines the available experimental evidence for graphene-based composites. To lay the groundwork for future work in this exciting area, the paper discusses the current challenges as well as future prospects in the field.

A comprehensive review on the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of graphene-based multi-functional epoxy composites

A comprehensive review on the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of graphene-based multi-functional epoxy composites

Structural, Magnetic, and AC Measurements of Nanoferrites/Graphene Composites.

As a contribution to the graphene-based nanoferrite composites, this article is intended to present Mn, Co, and Co-Mn nanoferrites for the preparation and investigation of such samples. Nanoparticles of Co ferrite, Mn ferrite, and Co-Mn ferrite were chemically synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The composites of ferrite/graphene were made by incorporating weight ratios of 25% graphene to 75% ferrite. Various structural and characterizing investigations of ferrite samples and ferrite/graphene composites were performed, including XRD, EDX, SEM, VSM hysteresis loops, AC conductivity, and dielectric behavior. The investigations ensured the formation of the intended nanoferrite powders, each having a single-phase crystal structure with no undesired phases or elements. All samples exhibit a soft magnetic behavior. They show a semiconducting behavior of AC electrical conductivity as well. This was proved by the temperature dependence of the AC’s electrical conductivity. Whereas the dielectric function and loss tangent show an expected, well-explained behavior, the ferrite/graphene composite samples have lower saturation magnetization values, lower AC conductivity, and dielectric constant values than the pure ferrites but still have the same behavior trends as those of the pure ferrites. The values obtained may represent steps on developing new materials for expected applications, such as manufacturing supercapacitors and/or improved battery electrodes.

Preparation, Properties, and Application of Graphene-Based Materials in Tissue Engineering Scaffolds.

Tissue engineering has a great application prospect as an effective treatment for tissue and organ injury, functional reduction, or loss. Bioactive tissues are reconstructed and damaged organs are repaired by the three elements, including cells, scaffold materials, and growth factors. Graphene-based composites can be used as reinforcing auxiliary materials for tissue scaffold preparation because of their large specific surface area, and good mechanical support. Tissue engineering scaffolds with graphene-based composites have been widely studied. Part of research have focused on the application of graphene-based composites in single tissue engineering. The basic principles of graphene materials used in tissue engineering are summarized in some research. Some studies emphasized the key problems and solutions urgently needed to be solved in the development of tissue engineering and discussed their application prospect. Some related studies mainly focused on the conductivity of graphene and discussed the application of electroactive scaffolds in tissue engineering. In this review, the composite materials for preparing tissue engineering scaffolds are briefly described, which emphasizes the preparation methods, biological properties, and practical applications of graphene-based composite scaffolds. The synthetic techniques, with stressing solvent casting, electrospinning, and three-dimensional printing, are introduced in detail. The mechanical, cell-oriented, and biocompatible properties of graphene-based composite scaffolds in tissue engineering are analyzed and summarized. Their applications in bone tissue engineering, nerve tissue engineering, cardiovascular tissue engineering, and other tissue engineering are summarized systematically. In addition, this work also looks forward to the difficulties and challenges in the future research, providing some references for the follow-up research of graphene-based composites in tissue engineering scaffolds. Impact statement Regeneration and repair of tissue and organ injury has become a new research hotspot in recent years. Tissue engineering scaffolds prepared with graphene-based materials have good biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and strong cell orientation, which can fully induce the proliferation and differentiation of seed cells. This review briefly describes the basic materials for the preparation of tissue engineering scaffolds, and focuses on the preparation, performance, and application of graphene-based materials in tissue engineering, providing sufficient understanding of graphene applied in regenerative medicine.

One-step synthesis of crumpled graphene fully decorated by copper-based nanoparticles: Application in H2O2 sensing

The production of 3D graphene-based materials is an alternative to retain the intrinsic properties of 2D graphene, and improve others like specific surface area, porosity, mechanical properties, etc. For practical applications such as electrochemical sensors, the production of electroactive 3D graphene-based composites in one single step with good processability and electrochemical response is extremely desirable. Here, we synthesize 3D composites of crumpled graphene (CG) decorated by copper-based nanoparticles in dry state form without further steps. The aerosol-assisted capillary compression strategy adopted results in copper-based nanoparticles directly connected to CG. The carbon nanostructure controls the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles during capillary compression. We explored the application of the composites as an electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide, and it connects the best performance to the synergism between crumpled graphene and the copper-based nanoparticles.

Enhanced thermal conductivity in oriented cellulose nanofibril/graphene composites via interfacial engineering

Efficient thermal management has become an important design consideration for the development of modern electronic devices, seeking to combine excellent thermal conductivity and good mechanical properties. Graphene-based composites are considered as new generation materials for addressing this issue. However, challenges associated with well-oriented structures and well-controlled interactions have so far restrained the achievement of excellent thermal conductivity, limiting the applications of these composites in the fields of thermal management. Here, we describe a composite system which achieves high thermal conductivity and mechanical properties by designing the interfacial interactions between cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and oriented graphene. We use polyethylene glycol (PEG) to covalently modify graphene nanosheets (GP), and improve the adhesion with CNF via hydrogen bonds. The CNF/GP composites show clear layered structure with anisotropic thermal conductivities. Increasing the GP content improves the thermal conductivities along in-plane direction, while through-plane thermal conductivities remain low. Surface grafting of PEG chains on the graphene allows further enhancement of thermal conductivities. Moreover, the CNF/GP composites show good mechanical properties. Finally, the combination of thermal conductivities and mechanical performance facilitate thermal management applications for such composites.

Toward Optimized Charge Transport in Multilayer Reduced Graphene Oxides.

In the context of graphene-based composite applications, a complete understanding of charge conduction in multilayer reduced graphene oxides (rGO) is highly desirable. However, these rGO compounds are characterized by multiple and different sources of disorder depending on the chemical method used for their synthesis. Most importantly, the precise role of interlayer interaction in promoting or jeopardizing electronic flow remains unclear. Here, thanks to the development of a multiscale computational approach combining first-principles calculations with large-scale transport simulations, the transport scaling laws in multilayer rGO are unraveled, explaining why diffusion worsens with increasing film thickness. In contrast, contacted films are found to exhibit an opposite trend when the mean free path becomes shorter than the channel length, since conduction becomes predominantly driven by interlayer hopping. These predictions are favorably compared with experimental data and open a road toward the optimization of graphene-based composites with improved electrical conduction.