A conductive polymer composite derived from polyurethane and cathodically exfoliated graphene

• Published in: Materials today chemistry 2023-01, Vol.27, p.101313, Article 101313
• Main Authors: Dalal, M.H., Sayyar, S., Lee, C.-Y., Wallace, G.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cathodic exfoliated graphene; Electrical conductivity; Electrochemistry; Energy storage; Graphene-polyurethane composites
• ISSN: 2468-5194; 2468-5194
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2022.101313

Composite electrodes represent an important class of electromaterials, with enhanced functional properties tailored for targeted applications. Introduction of graphene as a conductive nanofiller into the thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) provides electrodes with interesting properties. In this study, a highly conductive cathodically exfoliated graphene (CEG) of ∼2–8 μm lateral size was employed to prepare CEG-PU composites. The use of this larger graphene sheet requires loading of at least 20% w/w graphene to promote contact between the sheets, hence the conductivity. The CEG-PU composite electrodes were tested to determine their electrochemical capacitance and it was found that the 40% (w/w) CEG-PU composite shows areal capacitance, energy density, and power density of 2.51 mF/cm2, 1.56 μW/h/cm2, and 0.48 mW/cm2, respectively, at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm2 and an operating voltage of 1.0 V. In summary, the CEG-PU composite electrodes have excellent conductivity, chemical/mechanical properties, and capacitive performance. •A highly conductive cathodically exfoliated graphene was employed to synthesis graphene–polyurethane composites.•Higher loading of large graphene sheets are needed for the composites to be electrically conductive.•Composite contained 40% (w/w) graphene showed the best electrochemical capacitance performance.