| Popis: |
In recent years, graphene has been subjected to intense scientific research interests owing to the remarkable properties of this class of materials. An appropriate loading of this youngest 2-D or 3-D honeycomb structured carbon based allotropic nanoscale material in the host polymer can considerably advance the physical, chemical, structural, mechanical, and electrical features of polymeric materials. Graphene filled polymer nanocomposites are attractive material as a functional component in solar energy devices and fuel cells. Graphene/polymer nanocomposites are noted to beneficial in absorption of photon, charge carrier transportation, and separation of charges when utilized as photoanode or counter electrode material in solar energy devices. In fact, the use of graphene/polymer nanocomposites particularly provides prolonged lifetime of fuel cells and solar energy related devices along with high productivity and liberty of repeatability. The remarkably high physical and chemical features of graphene/polymer nanocomposites are highly valued in fuel cell applications for the boosting of conduction of proton. This chapter will chiefly focus on the remarkable applications and potential use of graphene/polymer nanocomposites in solar energy and fuel cells. It will mainly be comprised of five sections: Section 6.1 will discuss a comprehensive introduction of graphene along with its synthesis techniques, its remarkable features, and major factors contributing in the enhancement of its properties. Section 6.2 will illustrate different types of graphene/polymer nanocomposites along with their commercially and economically acceptable fabrication methods and performance effecting parameters. The potential use of these nanocomposites in fuel cell and solar energy applications will be highlighted in Section 6.3 and 6.4, respectively. Lastly, in Section 6.5, the commercialization and property advancement challenges and future of graphene/polymer nanocomposites will be discussed. |
