The richness of optical and electronic properties of graphene attracts enormous interest. Graphene has high mobility and optical transparency, in addition to flexibility, robustness and environmental stability. So far, the main focus has been on fundamental physics and electronic devices. However, we believe its true potential lies in photonics and optoelectronics, where the combination of its unique optical and electronic properties can be fully exploited, even in the absence of a bandgap, and the linear dispersion of the Dirac electrons enables ultrawideband tunability. The rise of graphene in photonics and optoelectronics is shown by several recent results, ranging from solar cells and light-emitting devices to touch screens, photodetectors and ultrafast lasers. Here we review the state-of-the-art in this emerging field.

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Graphene photonics and optoelectronics

Approaches, Derivatives and Applications Vasilios Georgakilas,† Michal Otyepka,‡ Athanasios B. Bourlinos,‡ Vimlesh Chandra, Namdong Kim, K. Christian Kemp, Pavel Hobza,‡,§,⊥ Radek Zboril,*,‡ and Kwang S. Kim* †Institute of Materials Science, NCSR “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi Attikis, 15310 Athens, Greece ‡Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic Center for Superfunctional Materials, Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology, San 31, Hyojadong, Namgu, Pohang 790-784, Korea Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Flemingovo naḿ. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic

Functionalization of Graphene: Covalent and Non-Covalent Approaches, Derivatives and Applications

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

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold the promise of delivering exceptional mechanical properties and multi-functional characteristics. Ever-increasing interest in applying CNTs in many different fields has led to continued efforts to develop dispersion and functionalization techniques. To employ CNTs as effective reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites, proper dispersion and appropriate interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and polymer matrix have to be guaranteed. This paper reviews the current understanding of CNTs and CNT/polymer nanocomposites with two particular topics: (i) the principles and techniques for CNT dispersion and functionalization and (ii) the effects of CNT dispersion and functionalization on the properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. The fabrication techniques and potential applications of CNT/polymer nanocomposites are also highlighted.

Dispersion and functionalization of carbon nanotubes for polymer-based nanocomposites: a review

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

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites

[*] Prof. Y. Chen, X.-D. Zhuang, P.-P. Li, B. Zhang, J.-H. Zhu, Y.-X. Li Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Institute of Applied Chemistry East China University of Science and Technology 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237 (P. R. China) E-mail: chentangyu@yahoo.com Prof. E.-T. Kang, Dr. G. Liu, Prof. K.-G. Neoh Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering National University of Singapore 10 Kent Ridge, 119260 (Singapore) E-mail: cheket@nus.edu.sg Prof. Dr. C.-X. Zhu Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering National University of Singapore 10 Kent Ridge, 119260 (Singapore)

Conjugated-polymer-functionalized graphene oxide: synthesis and nonvolatile rewritable memory effect.

The nonlinear optical (NLO) and optical limiting (OL) properties of graphene families, including graphene oxide nanosheets, graphene nanosheets (GNSs), graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs), and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), were investigated at 532 and 1064 nm using a nanosecond regime. GNSs, GONRs, and GNRs exhibited broadband NLO and OL properties. Reduced graphene samples exhibited stronger NLO and OL responses than their graphene oxide precursors because of their increased crystallinity and conjugation. Nonlinear scattering and two-photon-absorption were found to have strong effects on the NLO and OL responses of the graphene nanostructures.

Nonlinear optical and optical limiting properties of graphene families

http://www.tara.tcd.ie/bitstream/handle/2262/54420/Graphene%20oxide%20covalently%20functionalized%20with%20zinc%20phthalocyanine%20for%20broadband%20optical%20limiting.pdf;sequence=1

Graphene oxide covalently functionalized with zinc phthalocyanine for broadband optical limiting

As the thinnest material ever known in the universe, graphene has been attracting tremendous amount of attention in both materials science and condensed-matter physics since its successful isolation a few years ago. This one-atom-thick two-dimensional pseudo-infinite nano-crystal consists of sp2-hybridized aromatic carbon atoms covalently packed into a continuous hexagonal lattice. Graphene exhibits a range of unique properties, viz., high three-dimensional aspect ratio and large specific surface area, superior mechanical stiffness and flexibility, remarkable optical transmittance, extraordinary thermal response and excellent electronic transport properties, promising its applications in the next generation electronics. To switch graphene and its derivatives between ON and OFF states in nanoelectronic memory devices, various techniques have been developed to manipulate the carbon atomic sheets via introducing the valence–conduction bandgap and to enhance their processability. In this article, we review the utilization of electrically, thermally and chemically modified graphene and its polymer-functionalized derivatives for switching and information storage applications. The challenges posed on the development of novel graphene materials and further enhancements of the device switching performance have also been discussed.

Graphene and its derivatives: switching ON and OFF

Carbon nanotubes possess not only outstanding mechanical, electrical and thermal properties but also unique nonlinear optical properties. In this Feature Article, we review the recent developments of the carbon nanotube and its composites for nonlinear optical applications. Two research hot spots are discussed: optical limiting for laser protection and the saturable absorber as a mode-locking component for ultra-short pulsed lasers. The physical mechanism, materials and devices are intensively introduced for each application. All of the investigations indicate that the carbon nanotube is one of the main competitive candidates for next generation of photonic components.

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Yu Chen

Papers

Conjugated-polymer-functionalized graphene oxide: synthesis and nonvolatile rewritable memory effect.

Nonlinear optical and optical limiting properties of graphene families

Graphene oxide covalently functionalized with zinc phthalocyanine for broadband optical limiting

Graphene and its derivatives: switching ON and OFF

Carbon nanotubes and nanotube composites for nonlinear optical devices