Recent advances in graphene based polymer 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

Thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes and their polymer nanocomposites: A review

Graphene, a one-atom layer of graphite, possesses a unique two-dimensional (2D) structure, high conductivity and charge carrier mobility, huge specific surface area, high transparency and great mechanical strength. Thus, it is expected to be an ideal material for energy storage and conversion. During the past several years, a variety of graphene based materials (GBMs) have been successfully prepared and applied in supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, water splitting, electrocatalysts for fuel cells, and solar cells. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in the synthesis and applications of GBMs in these energy related systems. The challenges and prospects of graphene based new energy materials are also discussed.

Graphene based new energy materials

Supercapacitors (also known as ultracapacitors) are considered to be the most promising approach to meet the pressing requirements of energy storage. Supercapacitive electrode materials, which are closely related to the high-efficiency storage of energy, have provoked more interest. Herein, we present a high-capacity supercapacitor material based on the nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers synthesized by carbonization of macroscopic-scale carbonaceous nanofibers (CNFs) coated with polypyrrole (CNFs@polypyrrole) at an appropriate temperature. The composite nanofibers exhibit a reversible specific capacitance of 202.0 F g–1 at the current density of 1.0 A g–1 in 6.0 mol L–1 aqueous KOH electrolyte, meanwhile maintaining a high-class capacitance retention capability and a maximum power density of 89.57 kW kg–1. This kind of nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber represents an alternative promising candidate for an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.

Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanofibers as an Efficient Electrode Material for Supercapacitors

Surfactant has been successfully applied to enhance the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer and the properties of nanocomposite. CNTs were treated with a nonionic surfactant Triton X-100, and its effects on dispersion state, surface chemistry, structure and morphology of CNTs, as well as on the thermomechanical, mechanical and electrical properties of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites were evaluated. The mechanical properties such as impact fracture toughness, flexural strength and modulus, the thermomechanical properties, as well as the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite all showed significant improvements after the treatment. The above observations are attributed to the “bridging” effects between the CNT and epoxy, which are introduced by the hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments of the nonionic surfactant. The enhanced interfacial interactions gave rise to improved dispersion and wetting of CNTs in polymer matrix, enhancing the mechanical and fracture properties of the nanocomposite. Unlike chemical functionalization techniques, however, the surfactant treatment exhibited little adverse effect on electrical conducting behavior of the nanocomposite.

Effects of surfactant treatment on mechanical and electrical properties of CNT/epoxy nanocomposites

A novel route is proposed to produce graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) and graphene sheets. The natural graphite flakes were directly exfoliated by ultrasonication in formic acid. A stable graphene aqueous dispersion was obtained using the as-produced GNPs after two processing steps: (i) chemical oxidation of GNPs to graphite oxide nanoplatelets (GONPs); and (ii) chemical reduction of graphite oxide nanoplatelets to graphene. The total duration for oxidation and production of stable graphite oxide colloid was significantly shortened due to the use of exfoliated GNPs with large surface area. The work proposed here has several advantages over the previous methods, including a high efficiency of exfoliation process, the use of a non-toxic, environmental-friendly intercalant and the capability for mass production of graphene for industrial applications.

Preparation of graphite nanoplatelets and graphene sheets.

http://image.sciencenet.cn/olddata/kexue.com.cn/upload/blog/file/2010/10/20101011233835521584.pdf

Fabrication of highly conducting and transparent graphene films

http://image.sciencenet.cn/olddata/kexue.com.cn/upload/blog/file/2010/10/20101011234824365631.pdf

Effects of functional groups on the mechanical and wrinkling properties of graphene sheets

Improved electrical and optical characteristics of transparent graphene thin films produced by acid and doping treatments

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