Graphene‐Based Cementitious Composites: Toward Next‐Generation Construction Technologies

Abstract

The search for technological solutions to the ever‐increasing demand for ultra‐high‐quality concrete with the simultaneous construction boom represents one of the greatest challenges concrete researchers are facing nowadays. In view of their unique properties, graphene and related materials, when utilized to form graphene‐based cementitious composites, appear to be powerful components to give a boost to today's concrete technology. In this review, the most enlightening recent advancements in the development of fabrication protocols for obtaining the homogenous dispersion of graphene and derivatives thereof within the cement matrix are showcased. The hydration process and basic properties of graphene‐based cementitious materials are also discussed. The integration of graphene‐family materials to concrete technology allows new functions to be imparted to cement composites toward the construction of smart and multifunctional buildings. Therefore, a specific focus is given to the electrical and piezoresistive behavior of graphene‐cement composites, and ultimately their great potential for structural health monitoring applications. The approaches proposed in this review can be also extended to other 2D materials offering the broadest arsenal of physical properties, which can therefore be integrated on‐demand in future smart structures and constructions.

Functionalized graphene-based materials for cementitious applications

“…17 However, there is increasing interest in the production of self-sensing concrete, 15 which is an attractive smart material for real-time monitoring of the status of a building. In this connection, the electrical properties of GBM 9 can be used, at least in principle, for the non-invasive detection of stress areas and cracks in the concrete structure.…”

Environmental and Health Impacts of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials: A Graphene Flagship Perspective

“…For example, the same graphene properties will not be required in fieldeffect transistor to detect coronaviruses (e.g., single/few use(s), low amount, protected from the external environment, reduced exposure to individuals), 8 or in cementitious composites (e.g., large scale production, long-term use, long exposure to environmental conditions and individuals). 9 A growing interest in 2D materials for wearable electronics and implantable sensors also requires in-depth consideration, 10,11 as it is envisaged that these devices may interact with numerous organs and tissues (e.g., skin, brain, mouth, arteries, etc.). Strongly connected to the development and applications of 2D materials, the "safe and sustainable-by-design" (SSbD) concept plays an important role to encourage avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals for their synthesis (e.g., use of gallons of toxic organic solvents or strong acids to prepare graphene or graphene oxide from graphite).…”

Investigation on the Electrical Conductivity of Graphene/Cement Composites by Alternating Current Method

“…Therefore, adding graphene to cement paste would significantly increase its conductivity. Although improvement in the conductivity of cement-based materials by graphene has been reported in some research [ 2 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], the underlying influencing mechanism of graphene on the electrical conductivity of cement-based materials needs to be further clarified.…”