Page 130 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

106 Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Fig. 4.1 Derivative of graphene.
Source: http://www.slideshare.net/BusinessGrowthHub/graphene-industry-workshop-22nd-
june.

Fig. 4.2 Layered structure
of GNPs.
Source: https://www.
cheaptubes.com/product-
category/graphene-
nanoplatelets/.

biomarkers, and highly sensitive biosensors used in the removal of endocrine-
disrupting chemicals. Researchers currently pay attention to understand the mass
transport properties of graphene materials to assist their application in medicine
and biotechnology [9]. Graphene has also been composited with numerous materials
such as semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs), polymers, metals, sulfides, metal oxides,
alloys, organic materials, and CNTs [10]. The fast development of graphene with short
history illustrates its great potential in the fields of electronics, electrochemical,
optoelectronics, and biomedical applications due to its unique 2-D crystal structure
and properties. However, pure graphene sheets are limited for many applications
despite their excellent characteristics such as weak absorption for light [11].

4.2 Graphene

Graphene is a carbon allotrope besides diamond, composed of densely packed
2
atomically thin layer of sp -hybridized carbon atoms in a honeycomb crystal lattice.
It emerged as a promising younger member of carbon-based nanomaterial for distinct