Graphene-poiymer composites via a π-π stacking RAFT agent

摘要

There are essentially two types of binding between graphene and polymers, covalent and non-covalent. The covalent bonding method can be used to form stable composites, but the bonding disrupts the graphene's conjugated structure and consequendy diminishes its natural properties. An alternative method based on π-π stacking could have advantages. Graphene-polymer composites with π-π stacking can be prepared by 2 methodologies: a 'graft to' method involving polymer chains with π-orbital-rich functional groups binding onto graphene basal planes; and a 'graft from' methodology, which is less reported (but one approach involves the use of RAPT polymerisation).