Stimuli-Responsive Graphene Oxide-Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) attracts tremendous attention for application in high-performance stimuli-responsive “smart” materials because of its unique and excellent electrical, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties, high biocompatibility, and potential application in a variety of fields, including nanocomposite-based devices. Even at an extremely small loading, the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of GO-polymer nanocomposites can be significantly changed due to its one-atom thickness and large surface area. Therefore, GO-based filler-containing polymer nanocomposites are sensitive to various external stimuli, such as electric and magnetic fields, pH, thermal or optical excitations, and stress. This article reviews the compositions, preparations, and characteristics of a variety of external stimuli-responsive nanocomposites containing GO and other graphene-based fillers. Particularly, the electrorheological and magnetorheological behaviors of smart fluids are described with well-known models and relationships. Finally, various applications of GO-polymer nanocomposites are briefly presented.