Page 138 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Energy and environmental applications of graphene and its derivatives 113

Fig. 4.11 Applications of graphene-based on its unique properties [10].

charge-transfer and mass-transfer processes, due to high porosity and interface surface
area [36]. Graphene can be functionalized to produce confined highly reactive regions
with remarkable properties for advanced and high-tech applications, like flexible
devices and chemo-/biosensors [39,40]. Some of the most important applications
are describe in detail as below.

4.4 Energy conversion and storage

Graphene fiber or nanosheets are fascinating material and offer exclusive advantages
over traditional nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion applications, such as
high electric conductivity, tunable nanostructure, excellent mechanical flexibility, and
light weight with ease of functionalization [23,41]. With superior optical trenchancy
1
6
(T, 97.7%), inherent flexibility, and high electric conductivity ( 10 Scm ),
graphene becomes most promising candidate for the replacement of expensive and
brittle indium tin oxide (ITO) as transparent electrodes for next-generation optoelec-
tronics and photovoltaics [42,43]. High charge mobility of graphene
2
5
s ) that is 200 times higher than silicon and superior electron
( 2 10 cm V 1 1
transport capability render it a most promising alternative for solar cell separation
layers and charge transport [44], thus revolutionizing energy conversion and storage
applications [45,46]. Graphene-based composites with metal, metal oxides, and poly-
mers are the extraordinary materials in the field of batteries [47]. Nowadays, graphene
and graphene-based materials (GBMs) are being extensively used as environment
friendly, high-performance, and low-cost electrodes for oxygen reduction reaction
(ORR), fuel cells, supercapacitors, and solar power [10,41,48].