Highly Electrically Conductive Nanocomposites Based on PolymerInfused Graphene Sponges

Abstract

Conductive polymer composites require a threedimensional 3D network to impart electrical conductivity. A general method that is applicable to most polymers for achieving a desirable graphene 3D network is still a challenge. We have developed a facile technique to fabricate highly electrical conductive composite using vacuumassisted infusion of epoxy into graphene sponge GS scaffold. Macroscopic GSs were synthesized from graphene oxide solution by a hydrothermal method combined with freeze drying. The GSepoxy composites prepared display consistent isotropic electrical conductivity around 1Sm, and it is found to be close to that of the pristine GS. Compared with neat epoxy, GSepoxy has a 12ordersofmagnitude increase in electrical conductivity, attributed to the compactly interconnected graphene network constructed in the polymer matrix. This method can be extended to other materials to fabricate highly conductive composites for practical applications such as electronic devices, sensors, actuators, and electromagnetic shielding.

Electrical Properties of Graphene Polymer Nanocomposites

“…When graphene sponge containing randomly distributed graphene sheets are added to epoxy (insulator with conductivity around at 10 −13 S cm −1 ) [83] the magnitude of conductivity increased 12 times attributed to the compactly interconnected graphene network constructed within the polymer. Further improvement was also noticed upon graphene sponge treatment [84]. The filler surface area is yet another factor which causes the conductivity variation as noticed in the case of PVA/RGO nanocomposites [85].…”

Graphene-clad textile electrodes for electrocardiogram monitoring

“…The graphite oxide was cycled and washed in DI water until the supernatant liquid displayed a pH of 6 which ensured removal of residual metal ions and acids. Then, with centrifugation and sonication, the graphite oxide is exfoliated into single layer graphene oxide sheets and finally suspended in DI water to yield a 15 mg/mol viscous dispersion of brownish color [25].…”

Transport performance in novel elastomer nanocomposites: Mechanism, design and control

“…The resistance only increased 2.7% after 10,000 cycles [132]. 3D graphene macrostructures prepared using other approaches, such as porosity engineering [133] and gelation [134], have also been used to construct conducting networks in polymers.…”