Graphene Platelets and Their Polymer Composites: Fabrication, Structure, Properties, and Applications

Abstract

Graphene oxide is extensively compounded with polymers toward a wide variety of applications. Less studied are few-layer or multi-layer highly crystalline graphene, both of which are herein named as graphene platelets. This article aims to provide the most recent advancements of graphene platelets and their polymer composites. A first focus lies on cost-effective fabrication strategies of graphene platelets -intercalation and exfoliation -which work in a relative mass scale, e.g., 5.3 g h −1 . As no heavy oxidization is involved, the platelets have high crystalline integrity, e.g., C:O ratio over 8.0, with thicknesses 2-4 nm and lateral dimension up to a few micrometers. Through carefully selecting the solvent for dispersion and the molecules for surface modification, graphene platelets can be liquid-processable, enabling them to be printed, coated, or compounded with various polymers. A purposedesigned experiment is undertaken to unravel the effect of reasonable ultrasonication time on the platelet thickness. Typical polymer/graphene platelet composites are critically examined for their preparation, structure, and applications such as thermal management and flexible/stretchable electronic devices. Perspectives on the limitations, current challenges, and future prospects for graphene platelets and their polymer composites are provided.

Synergistic effect of graphene and carbon nanotube on lap shear strength and electrical conductivity of epoxy adhesives

“…Alternatively, a cost‐effective derivative is derived; graphene platelets (GnPs). GnPs are few layer of graphene (3–5 layers) and proved its effectiveness in reinforcing elastomers and ploymer‐based composites Nonetheless, preventing GnPs from staking in the host polymer is a tentative process and demands preprocessing procedures to accomplish uniform dispersion such as chemical modification and/or longtime sonication …”

Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐Assisted Exfoliation of Graphite and Its Use in Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene Composites

“…The ABS is a thermoplastic polymer which is used to improve the mechanical properties of polymer blends for the production of membranes for gas separation, for example, CO 2 . The exfoliated flakes are used to improve both the mechanical and gas barrier properties of the pristine ABS . Moreover, the ABS, or its component styrene acrylonitrile, is known to form miscible blends with PMMA .…”

Multiscale Porous Carbon Nanomaterials for Applications in Advanced Rechargeable Batteries

“…Graphene is one‐atom‐thick layer of sp 2 ‐hybridized carbon tightly arranged into a 2D honeycomb lattice, which is one of the representative 2D nanomaterials . Benefiting from its unique properties, including ultra‐large surface‐to‐volume ratio, high charge mobility and electron transport capability, graphene possesses excellent electrochemical activity, high theoretical specific capacity, which is considered to be competitive alternative electrode material and additive/modifier for secondary batteries ,. Porous graphene (PG) is a structural derivative of graphene with in‐plane/out‐of‐plane porous.…”