Fabrication and properties of reduced graphene oxide reinforced yttria-stabilized zirconia composite ceramics

Fully dense yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics reinforced with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS), and their electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties were investigated. Graphene oxide (GO) was exfoliated by a short sonification in dimethylformamide (DMF)/water solution and uniformly mixed with ZrO₂ powders. The microstructure of the composites showed that undamaged RGO sheets were homogeneously distributed throughout matrix grains. The electrical conductivity of YSZ composites drastically increased with the addition of RGO, and it reached 1.2 × 10⁴ S/m at 4.1 vol.%. However, the thermal diffusivity increased only 12% with RGO addition. The hardness decreased slightly with RGO addition, whereas the fracture toughness significantly increased from 4.4 to 5.9 MPa^1/2. The RGO pull-out and crack bridging contributed to the improved fracture toughness.     

Enhanced field emission properties of a reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube hybrid film

A facile vacuum filtration method for the preparation of hybrid films to achieve superior field emission properties from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a bi-functional filler has been proposed. In the hybrid films, CNTs serve as electron emitters, while rGO helps to control the density of the CNT-emitters and reduce electrical resistance of the films. Via controlling volumes of CNTs and rGO dispersions, electron field emission properties of the hybrid films can be easily tailored. Higher weight ratio of rGO:CNT results in better electrical properties and the best field emission property is achieved when a rGO:CNT weight ratio of 1:3 is employed. The hybrid film reveals a significant improvement in field emission properties, as compared with the CNT film without adding rGO. Decreases in sheet resistance, turn-on field, and threshold field are attributed to the formation of extended conjugated network between CNTs and rGO in association with the reduction of screening effect through the optimization of density of CNT-emitters. The concept that rGO can be employed to control the density of CNT emitters will be of special interest for field emission enhancement.     

Microwave absorbing properties of a thermally reduced graphene oxide/nitrile butadiene rubber composite

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with a layered and porous structure was synthesized by thermal exfoliation of graphite oxide. Synthesized RGO is very light weight and flaky. The formation of RGO was studied using Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Composites were prepared by dispersing 2%, 4% and 10% by weight of the synthesized RGO into nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) matrix. Microwave absorption properties of RGO/NBR composites were investigated by measuring their complex permittivity and permeability by using waveguide method. Simulation studies show that 10 wt.% of graphene oxide in NBR matrix exhibits high values of reflection loss (>10 dB) over a wide frequency range 7.5–12 GHz and maximum loss is 57 dB at 9.6 GHz at a thickness of 3 mm.     

Mechanical and dielectric properties of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets/alumina composite ceramics

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets/alumina (Al₂O₃) composite ceramics were fabricated by hot-pressing sintering. The density, porosity, microhardness, flexural strength and complex permittivity were investigated to study their mechanical and dielectric properties. The results revealed that the rGO nanosheets were uniformly distributed in the Al₂O₃ matrix and that the composite ceramics were highly dense at 3.67–3.99 g/cm³. Due to low rGO hardness and elevated porosity, the microhardness exhibits a decreasing trend as the rGO content increases. The flexural strength first increased and then decreased with the escalation of rGO content, and the highest strength of 313.75 MPa was obtained at 3 wt%, increasing by 37.61% relative to that of the hot-pressing sintered Al₂O₃ ceramic. Owing to the enhanced interfacial polarization, dipole polarization, polarization relaxation loss and conductance loss, the real part and imaginary part of complex permittivity increase from 10.40 to 52.73 and from 0.08 to 28.86 as the rGO content rose from 0 wt% to 4 wt%, respectively.     

Fabrication of super-stretchable and electrical conductive membrane of spandex/multi-wall carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide composite

Hybrid conductive fillers (hybrids) are prepared through simultaneous chemical reduction of the graphene oxide and acid-treated multi-wall carbon nanotube in the presence of hydrazine. Subsequently, the thermoplastic spandex-based composite membranes with different hybrids contents are fabricated by solution casting method. At 20 wt% loading of hybrids, the membrane displays both super-stretchability (387% of elongation at break) and good electrical conductivity (49.5 S cm^?1). Further investigations of the electromechanical behaviour show that the strain sensitivity is dependent on hybrids content. Therefore, the as-prepared spandex/hybrids composite membranes are promising materials for the fabrication of wearable electronics and stretchable energy storage/conversion devices.     

Preparation and tribological properties of novel boehmite/graphene oxide nano-hybrid

Novel boehmite/graphene oxide nano-hybrid (GO–GPTS–AlOOH) was prepared through a simple covalent bond method, which was subsequently explored as lubricant additive. For this purpose, the 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTS) was first chemically grafted on nano-boehmite (AlOOH) to fabricate the modified boehmite (GPTS–AlOOH). Then the GPTS–AlOOH was anchored on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets to prepare GO–GPTS–AlOOH nano-hybrid through a coupled reaction. The structure, composition and morphology of GO–GPTS–AlOOH was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TG/DTG, SEM and TEM, revealing that nano-boehmite was uniformly coated on GO surface. More importantly, tribological properties of GO–GPTS–AlOOH as lubricating oil additive were investigated using a ball-on-disc testing machine and a four-ball machine. It was found that the friction reduction and anti-wear ability of lubricant oil containing GO–GPTS–AlOOH hybrid was highly improved compared to bare base oil (VHVI8). Specifically, friction coefficient (COF), wear scar diameter (WSD) and wear rate were reduced by 14%, 28% and 73%, respectively. The enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the nanobearing mechanism and ultimate strengthen of graphene sheets between the frictional interfaces.     

Easy preparation of ultrathin reduced graphene oxide sheets at a high stirring speed

This work explored the synthesis of rGO sheets from graphene oxide (GO) using hydrazine solvent as reducing agent through chemical reduction. Meanwhile, GO films with a 2D structure were prepared from graphite flakes (starting material with an average flake size of 150 nm) by an Improved Hummer׳s method. Results showed that the chemical oxidation of graphite flakes carried out at room temperature could be used to prepare GO sheets in the initial stage. The conversion of GO into large-area rGO sheets with ~85% of carbon content could then be achieved by chemical reduction. RGO sheets with a lateral dimension of up to ~45 nm were obtained, which indicated the formation of an extremely thin layer of rGO sheets. A high degree of GO reduction was also realized using a high stirring speed (1200 rpm) for 72 h in a mixture of acids and potassium permanganate, resulting in a high carbon content of rGO with a large lateral dimension and area. Overall, our Improved Hummer׳s method with a high stirring speed (1200 rpm) for 72 h provided an easy approach to the preparation of large-area and ultrathin rGO sheets.     

An efficient route to a porous NiO/reduced graphene oxide hybrid film with highly improved electrochromic properties

A porous NiO/RGO hybrid film is prepared by the combination of electrophoretic deposition and chemical-bath deposition. The porous hybrid film exhibits a noticeable electrochromism with reversible color changes from transparent to dark brown, and shows high coloration efficiency (76 cm(2) C(-1)), fast switching speed (7.2 s and 6.7 s) and better cycling performance compared with the porous NiO thin film. The enhancement of electrochromic performances are attributed to the reinforcement of the electrochemical activity of the RGO sheets and the greater amount of open space in the porous hybrid film which allows the electrolyte to penetrate and shorten the proton diffusion paths within the bulk of NiO.     

Decoration of reduced graphene oxide with polyaniline film and their enhanced microwave absorption properties

Fabrication of nanofibers with some biomaterials based on natural materials (collagen) through electrospinning is an important area for research. The effect of collagen coating on polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber surfaces was studied here. In this work, PCL nanofibers with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanopowder were used for the development of active wound dressings. We used glacial acetic acid as an environmentally benign solvent. The prepared nanofibers were coated with collagen by soaking the scaffold in 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/ml collagen solution overnight. The samples produced were subjected to contact angle measurements, SEM, FTIR, and XRD, and mechanical strength was determined. Nanofibers in the range of 200–800 nm were produced. The other study confirmed the physical interaction between collagen and PCL. The hydrophilicity of PCL nanofibers was increased; this was confirmed by observing contact angle values. A hydrophilic surface on the scaffold is necessary for biomedical applications. FTIR have proved the presence of an amide group on the PCL structure that facilitates cell adhesion and proliferation. SEM images have clearly proved the formation of nanofibers as well as the attachment of collagen to PCL nanofibers. XRD has shown the crystalline nature of the PCL polymer. PCL can impart more mechanical strength, although incorporation of collagen has decreased the tensile strength to some extent.     

氧化石墨烯/二氧化硅复合材料的制备及吸附性能

以改进的Hummers法制备的氧化石墨烯溶液为原料,十六烷三甲基溴化铵为模板剂,正硅酸乙酯为硅源,采用软模板法制备了氧化石墨烯/二氧化硅复合材料。借助红外光谱仪、扫描电子显微镜、X射线衍射仪对样品的物质结构和微观形貌进行分析表征。以亚甲基蓝模拟染料废水,石墨烯/二氧化硅复合材料为吸附剂,研究其在不同吸附时间、反应温度、ρ(亚甲基蓝)、吸附剂投加量、体系pH值下,对体系吸附量和去除率的影响。结果表明,复合材料出现了C—O—Si的特征峰,说明石墨烯与二氧化硅复合成功;且复合材料在温度为35℃,搅拌时间为90 min,pH=4,ρ(亚甲基蓝)=5 mg/L,投加量为50 mg时吸附性能最好,吸附量为22.75 mg/g,去除率为91%。     

Preparation and electrochemical properties of polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide composites

Polyaniline (PANI)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were synthesized by in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline on reduced graphene sheets. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the composites. The results indicated PANI/rGO composites were produced and contained covalent bonds between the functional groups of PANI and rGO. A uniform coating of PANI on the rGO sheets had a synergistic effect on the properties of the composites. The electrochemical properties of the PANI/rGO composites produced using different feed ratios of aniline to rGO were studied. The results showed that the composites exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 797.5 F/g at 0.5 A/g and minimum charge transfer resistance of 0.98 Ω when the feed ratio of aniline to rGO was 2:1. These values were superior to those of pure PANI and rGO. The composites also displayed excellent cycling stability, with specific capacitance retention of 92.43% after 1000 cycles. These stable structural composites show promise for the development of new supercapacitor applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46103.     

Preparation and properties of reduced graphene oxide/fused silica composites

An in situ strategy for fabrication of reduced graphene oxide/fused silica (rGO/FS) composites using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as surfactant is reported. GO nanosheets were bound to FS particles by an electrostatic assembly between ultra thin negatively charged GO sheets and positively charged amino-modified FS particles. After spark plasma sintering, rGO/FS bulk composites have been produced from the GO and FS composite particles with GO being reduced to rGO in vacuum at high temperatures. Results show that rGO sheets were well dispersed in the matrix, and conductivity of these rGO/FS composites at room temperature was strongly dependent on the rGO nanosheet concentration. i.e., the conductivity of rGO/FS was increased to 10⁻⁴ S/cm when a conducting network was formed inside the composites. The effect of GO nanosheets on the mechanical properties of rGO/FS bulk composites was also investigated. The addition of 1 wt.% GO sheets to FS resulted in 72% increase in Vickers hardness, indicating the stress transfering from the FS matrix to the rigid rGO sheets. With the same rGO content, the fracture toughness of the as-prepared composites was increased by 74%. The main toughening mechanisms were thought to be crack deflection, crack branching, pulling-out and bridging of the rGO sheets.     

Fabrication and properties of in situ reduced graphene oxide‐toughened zirconia composite ceramics

Graphene oxide and zirconia powders were mixed using a colloidal coating route. In situ reduced graphene oxide‐toughened zirconia ceramics were prepared by spark plasma sintering. Their microstructure, mechanical properties, and toughening mechanisms were investigated. The results show that graphene oxide can be easily reduced in situ during sintering and that it disperses homogeneously within the zirconia substrate. Compared with the toughness of 3 mol.% yttria‐stabilized zirconia, the fracture toughness of in situ reduced graphene oxide‐toughened zirconia increased by up to 175% (from ~6.07 to ~10.64 MPa·m^1/2) at 0.09 wt.% graphene oxide with a small increase in hardness. The improvement is more significant than that of prereduced graphene oxide‐toughened cases, and it is associated with the formation of a C‐O‐Zr bond at the interface in addition to conventional toughening mechanisms.     

钛酸锂/石墨烯复合材料及电化学性能

通过固相法制备出钛酸锂(LTO)样品,再将LTO和氧化石墨烯通过水热法制得钛酸锂/还原石墨烯复合材料(LTO-RGO)。通过XRD、SEM、TEM对材料的结构、形貌进行表征,并进行充放电性能测试、交流阻抗测试来检测其电化学性能。结果表明,石墨烯对钛酸锂进行包覆处理不影响钛酸锂材料的晶型结构、无杂相出现。钛酸锂/石墨烯复合材料表现出了比钛酸锂材料更为优异的电化学性能,0.2C倍率下的放电比容量为208.7mA·h/g,50次循环后容量保持率为98.10%;20C倍率下的放电比容量为136.1mA·h/g。     

Fabrication and electrochemical capacitance of hierarchical graphene/polyaniline/carbon nanotube ternary composite film

A film composed of graphene (GN) sheets, polyaniline (PANI) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been fabricated by reducing a graphite oxide (GO)/PANI/CNT precursor prepared by flow-directed assembly from a complex dispersion of GO and PANI/CNT, followed by reoxidation and redoping of the reduced PANI in the composite to restore the conducting PANI structure. Scanning electron microscope images indicate that the ternary composite film is a layered structure with coaxial PANI/CNT nanocables uniformly sandwiched between the GN sheets. Such novel hierarchical structure with high electrical conductivity perfectly facilitates contact between electrolyte ions and PANI for faradaic energy storage and efficiently utilizes the double-layer capacitance at the electrode–electrolyte interfaces. The specific capacitance of the GN/PANI/CNT estimated by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement is 569 F g⁻¹ (or 188 F cm⁻³ for volumetric capacitance) at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹. In addition, the GN/PANI/CNT exhibits good rate capability (60% capacity retention at 10 A g⁻¹) and superior cycling stability (4% fade after 5000 continuous charge/discharge cycles).     

Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane/reduced graphene oxide composite deposited on steel

There has been an ongoing effort by the coatings industry to improve surface properties in order to increase corrosion and wear resistances, as well as other material properties. In this work, we report a methodology for producing nanocomposite films of polyurethane and graphene oxide and polyurethane and reduced graphene oxide. The coatings were applied on steel. The nanocomposites coatings were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Corrosion tests reveal that the use of reduced graphene oxide increases corrosion resistance when compared with the use of graphene oxide as filler.     

Fabrication of manganese oxide/three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide composites as the supercapacitors by a reverse microemulsion method

Manganese oxide (MnO₂)/three-dimensional (3D) reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites were prepared by a reverse microemulsion (water/oil) method. MnO₂ nanoparticles (3–20 nm in diameter) with different morphologies were produced and dispersed homogeneously on the macropore surfaces of the 3D RGO. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were applied to characterize the microstructure of the composites. The MnO₂/3D RGO composites, which were annealed at 150 °C, displayed a significantly high specific capacitance of 709.8 F g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹. After 1000 cycles, the capacitance retention was measured to be 97.6%, which indicates an excellent long-term stability of the MnO₂/3D RGO composites.     

Improved mechanical and barrier properties of starch film with reduced graphene oxide modified by SDBS

Starch is regarded as one of the most promising biopolymers to replace the fossil resources. However, due to the poor mechanical properties, high sensitivity to humidity, and low barrier property, the development of starch‐based materials has been limited. In this study, they improved the mechanical and barrier properties of starch film with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified by sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). The hydrophilia of modified RGO (r‐RGO) was improved and result in a good dispersion in oxidized starch (OS) matrix. The tensile strength of the r‐RGO‐4/OS film increased to 58.5 MPa which was more than three times of the OS film (17.2 MPa). Besides, both the water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of r‐RGO/OS film were improved greatly compared with OS and GO/OS films. Moreover, the r‐RGO/OS film could protect against UV light effectively due to its lightproof performance. In conclusion, the r‐RGO/OS composite film has great potential applications in packaging industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44910.     

Synthesis of cellulose/reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite and its properties

A series of conductive nanocomposites cellulose/reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline (cellulose/RGO/PANi) were synthesized via in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline on cellulose/RGO with different RGO loading to study the effect of RGO on the properties of nanocomposites. The results showed that when RGO is inserted into cellulose/PANi structure, its thermal stability and conductivity are increased. So that adding of only 0.3 wt% RGO into the cellulose/PANi structure, its conductivity is increased from 1.1 × 1 10^?1 to 5.2 × 110^?1 S/cm. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the PANi nanoparticles are formed a continuous spherical shape over the cellulose/RGO template; this increases the thermal stability of nanocomposite.