Chemically Converted Graphene: Functionalization, Nanocomposites, and Applications

Abstract

Graphene, a two-dimensional, monoatomic thick building block of all graphitic forms, has emerged as one of the most exciting materials of research of the 21st century and received worldwide attention due to its fascinating properties and great potential for various applications. This chapter provides an overview of the research concerning physical and chemical functionalization of graphene, and their applications in various fields. The direct observation of mechanically exfoliated graphene monolayer by K. S. Novoselov et al. in 2004 has sparked the exponential growth of graphene research in both the scientific and engineering communities. Considering the unexceptionable performance of graphene and its bad dispersibility in aqueous and organic solvents, enormous efforts have been made to synthesize graphene-based nanocomposites. The chemically converted graphene possesses many reactive oxygen-containing groups for further functionalization. Some complicated graphene–organic molecule composite was also fabricated. Pyridine-functionalized graphene can be used as a building block in the assembly of metal organic framework.