ABSTRACT
In this paper, we report a cost-effective and scalable approach to produce highly homogeneous graphene and CNT-based silicone composites with potential applications in diverse fields of research, including biosensors and wearable electronics. This approach includes the fabrication of hybrid fillers based on few-layer graphene and CNTs by water solution blending and manufacturing of graphene/CNT/PDMS composites through calendering in a three-roll mill. The influence of processing parameters, the graphene/CNT ratio, and hybrid filler loading was thoroughly investigated, and the optimal parameters for producing hybrid composites with superior electrical and mechanical properties were found. It was also confirmed that the graphene/CNT hybrid system exhibits a synergistic effect of non-covalent interactions between graphene sheets and CNT sidewalls. This synergistic effect prevents the aggregation of graphene sheets, facilitates the dispersion of graphene and CNTs in the silicone matrix, and contributes to the superior properties of hybrid composites compared to composites with either of these fillers alone.
ABSTRACT
New techniques were developed for the synthesis of monolithic highly porous composite aerogels (hydrogels) from reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, as well as graphene-containing composites based on mesoporous activated carbon. Simple operations for hydrophilization of synthesized samples were proposed. New electrode materials for electrosorption and deionization of water were fabricated. The resulting materials were investigated and tested in electrochemical cells for membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI).
