Rev.Adv.Mater.Sci. (RAMS)
No 1, Vol. 40, 2015, pages 60-71

SURFACE PROPERTIES OF GRAPHENE: RELATIONSHIP TO GRAPHENE-POLYMER COMPOSITES

Jin-Feng Dai, Guo-Jian Wang, Lang Ma and Cheng-Ken Wu

Abstract

Graphene has attracted much attention in recent years due to its extraordinary electronic, optical, magnetic, thermal, and mechanical properties. Despite continuing theoretical and experimental success, the unique physical properties of graphene remain underused and underappreciated. The key challenge in harnessing of the unique properties of graphene is the difficulty of reliable manipulation of well-dispersed graphene which due to the surface properties of graphene. In this review, the recent developments of surface properties of graphene are summarized, where tailoring of these surface properties via surface treatments and the effects on the graphene-polymer matrix interface is highlighted. Moreover, the surface testing technique is also commented on briefly. We believe that the future prospects of research emphasis on preparation of modified graphene with special surface properties which would lead to better composites taking into account the desired cradle-to-grave lifecycle of reinforced materials with high performance. Finally, we expect that this review can contribute to a better knowledge of the physicochemical surface properties of graphene.

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