Graphene has attracted tremendous research interest in recent years, owing to its exceptional properties. The scaled-up and reliable production of graphene derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), offers a wide range of possibilities to synthesize graphene-based functional materials for various applications. This critical review presents and discusses the current development of graphene-based composites. After introduction of the synthesis methods for graphene and its derivatives as well as their properties, we focus on the description of various methods to synthesize graphene-based composites, especially those with functional polymers and inorganic nanostructures. Particular emphasis is placed on strategies for the optimization of composite properties. Lastly, the advantages of graphene-based composites in applications such as the Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, photovoltaic devices, photocatalysis, as well as Raman enhancement are described (279 references).

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Graphene-based composites

Materials with good flexibility and high conductivity that can provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding with minimal thickness are highly desirable, especially if they can be easily processed into films. Two-dimensional metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, combine metallic conductivity and hydrophilic surfaces. Here, we demonstrate the potential of several MXenes and their polymer composites for EMI shielding. A 45-micrometer-thick Ti3C2Tx film exhibited EMI shielding effectiveness of 92 decibels (>50 decibels for a 2.5-micrometer film), which is the highest among synthetic materials of comparable thickness produced to date. This performance originates from the excellent electrical conductivity of Ti3C2Tx films (4600 Siemens per centimeter) and multiple internal reflections from Ti3C2Tx flakes in free-standing films. The mechanical flexibility and easy coating capability offered by MXenes and their composites enable them to shield surfaces of any shape while providing high EMI shielding efficiency.

Electromagnetic interference shielding with 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes)

Recent advances in graphene based polymer composites

Graphene has emerged as a subject of enormous scientific interest due to its exceptional electron transport, mechanical properties, and high surface area. When incorporated appropriately, these atomically thin carbon sheets can significantly improve physical properties of host polymers at extremely small loading. We first review production routes to exfoliated graphite with an emphasis on top-down strategies starting from graphite oxide, including advantages and disadvantages of each method. Then solvent- and melt-based strategies to disperse chemically or thermally reduced graphene oxide in polymers are discussed. Analytical techniques for characterizing particle dimensions, surface characteristics, and dispersion in matrix polymers are also introduced. We summarize electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of the graphene/polymer nanocomposites. We conclude this review listing current challenges associated with processing and scalability of graphene composites and future perspectives f...

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Graphene/Polymer Nanocomposites

http://staff.ulsu.ru/moliver/ref/polymers/pott11.pdf

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites

Reflection and absorption contributions to the electromagnetic interference shielding of single-walled carbon nanotube/polyurethane composites

The emerging field of optical-triggered actuators based on polymeric nanocomposite continues to be the focus of considerable research in recent years because of their scientific and technological significance. In principle, dispersing nanofiller with unique characteristics in polymer matrix can not only provide superb enhancement of performance but also afford novel actuation schemes to the systems. Graphene, combining its unusual electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties, can provide the ability to act as “energy transfer” and trigger unit in the realm of nanocomposite actuators. Herein, we demonstrate a new dimension to this 2D nanoscale material by showing the excellent light-triggered acutation of its thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. These nanocomposite actuators with 1 wt % loading of sulfonated functionalized graphene sheets (sulfonated-graphene) exhibit repeatable infrared-triggered actuation performance which can strikingly ...

/pdf/infrared-triggered-actuators-from-graphene-based-2aw9s3wzhh.pdf

Infrared-Triggered Actuators from Graphene-Based Nanocomposites

Processable composites of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with soluble cross-linked polyurethane (SCPU) were prepared at various loadings of SWNTs (0−25 wt %), and they exhibited strong microwave absorption in the microwave range of 2−18 GHz. For example, 5 wt % loading SWNTs/SCPU composite has a strong absorbing peak at 8.8 GHz and achieves a maximum absorbing value of 22 dB. The absorbing peak position moves to lower frequencies with increasing SWNT loading. Theoretical simulation for the microwave absorption using the transmission line theory agrees well with the experimental results. The microwave absorption of these composites can be mainly attributed to the dielectric loss rather than magnetic loss.

Tianying Guo

Papers

Reflection and absorption contributions to the electromagnetic interference shielding of single-walled carbon nanotube/polyurethane composites

Infrared-Triggered Actuators from Graphene-Based Nanocomposites

Microwave Absorption of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Soluble Cross-Linked Polyurethane Composites