Graphene nanocomposites and applications in electrochemical energy storage materials

Graphene-based nanocomposites possess excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, and chemical properties. These materials have potential applications in high-performance transistors, biomedical systems, sensors, and solar cells.

What is nanocomposite used for?

For biomedical applications like tissue engineering, medication delivery, and cellular treatments, a variety of polymeric nanocomposites are used. A variety of property combinations can be produced to imitate the structure and qualities of natural tissue because of the special interactions between polymer and nanoparticles.

What are the properties and characteristics of nanocomposites?

In addition to having a high surface-to-volume ratio for loading biomolecules like enzymes, the nanocomposites also have high mechanical strength, high electrical conductivity, redox reactivity, and catalytic activity.

Improved Properties

Nanocomposites can dramatically improve properties like:

•        Mechanical properties including strength, modulus and dimensional stability

•        Electrical conductivity

•        Flame retardancy

•        Thermal stability

•        Chemical resistance

•        Surface appearance

•        Optical clarity

How Nanocomposites Work

Nanoparticles have an extremely high surface to volume ratio which dramatically changes their properties when compared with their bulk sized equivalents. It also changes the way in which the nanoparticles bond with the bulk material. The result is that the composite can be many times improved with respect to the component parts. Some nanocomposite materials have been shown to be 1000 times tougher than the bulk component materials.

Applications

Nanocomposites are currently being used in a number of fields and new applications are being continuously developed. Applications for nanocomposites include:

•        Thin-film capacitors for computer chips

•        Solid polymer electrolyes for batteries.

•        Automotive engine parts and fuel tanks

•        Impellers and blades

•        Oxygen and gas barriers

•        Food packaging