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Review

Graphene Nanocomposites as Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion—Design and Headways

by
Ayesha Kausar
1,2,3,*,
Ishaq Ahmad
1,2,3,
Tingkai Zhao
1,4,
Osamah Aldaghri
5,
Khalid H. Ibnaouf
5 and
M. H. Eisa
5
1
NPU-NCP Joint International Research Center on Advanced Nanomaterials and Defects Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
2
UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, iThemba LABS, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
3
NPU-NCP Joint International Research Center on Advanced Nanomaterials and Defects Engineering, National Centre for Physics, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
4
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
5
Department of Physics, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(14), 11593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411593
Submission received: 22 June 2023 / Revised: 11 July 2023 / Accepted: 13 July 2023 / Published: 18 July 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Graphene Film and Composites)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
This review mainly addresses applications of polymer/graphene nanocomposites in certain significant energy storage and conversion devices such as supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries, and fuel cells. Graphene has achieved an indispensable position among carbon nanomaterials owing to its inimitable structure and features. Graphene and its nanocomposites have been recognized for providing a high surface area, electron conductivity, capacitance, energy density, charge–discharge, cyclic stability, power conversion efficiency, and other advanced features in efficient energy devices. Furthermore, graphene-containing nanocomposites have superior microstructure, mechanical robustness, and heat constancy characteristics. Thus, this state-of-the-art article offers comprehensive coverage on designing, processing, and applying graphene-based nanoarchitectures in high-performance energy storage and conversion devices. Despite the essential features of graphene-derived nanocomposites, several challenges need to be overcome to attain advanced device performance.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

Progression in energy technologies demands the use of innovative competent nanomaterials to attain the desired high performance of those technologies [1]. Graphene is one of the most unique nanomaterials adopted for advanced nanocomposite formation [2]. Graphene has the advantages of being lightweight, strong, and eco-friendly, and has superior physical features [3,4]. Moreover, graphene has good electron conductivity and charge-storing properties that are useful for cutting-edge energy and electronic applications like energy production, storage, sensors, electronics, etc. [5,6,7]. The high surface area, electrical, and electrochemical characteristics have been found to be suitable for designing supercapacitor electrodes for charge storage [8]. In addition, graphene has been applied to enhance the charge storage of batteries and fuel cell devices [9]. Supercapacitors with graphene nanomaterials have been used as the most efficient energy storage devices [9]. Moreover, Li-ion batteries employing graphene have been researched for their good energy storage capabilities [10,11]. In addition, graphene-derived materials have also been explored for their use in fuel cells [12]. Utilizing graphene and its related nanomaterials has revealed several valuable features and high performance in terms of charge or energy storing and conversion applications [13]. To design graphene nanomaterials for charge or energy storage and conversion, various facile fabrication methods, matrix–nanofiller interactions, morphology, stability, capacitance, charge density, energy density, cyclic performance, efficiency, and other valued properties have been analyzed [14]. However, to use graphene-derived nanocomposites for high-efficiency energy storage and conversion applications, various design and performance challenges need to be overcome [15,16].
In recent years, functionally graded graphene-reinforced composites have been focused on heavily in the literature [17]. Functionally graded graphene-reinforced composite materials have the advantages of being lightweight and multi-functional and having advanced mechanical and physical features for the development of next-generation devices. The designs of the graphene-reinforced composites have been explored for piezoelectric actuators [18]. Consequently, the influence of a graphene-reinforced composite-based piezoelectric layer has been investigated for these devices. Accordingly, Maxwell’s equation has been used for the piezoelectric layer of the composites. The design of functionally graded graphene-reinforced composites has been found to be valuable for nanoelectromechanical or microelectromechanical systems like nanosensors and nanoactuators. However, defects and imperfections have been observed in functionally graded graphene-reinforced composites [19]. In this context, the 3D poroflexibility theory has been applied to explore the bending responses of the composites. The horizontal friction force and elastic parameters were used for modeling the substrate. The discrete singular convolution integration technique was used to observe the stress–strain responses of the composites. Including higher contents of graphene considerably affected the stress and displacement properties of the composites. Furthermore, the stresses and strains of functionally graded graphene-reinforced composites have been studied using the higher-order shear deformation theory [20]. Here, the module of elasticity was found using the modified Halpin–Tsai model, whereas Poisson’s ratio was utilized to measure the mixture. Hence, the dispersion, conducting, piezoelectric, and mechanical performances of these functional composites have been successfully analyzed using the advanced theoretical and modeling techniques for high-performance energy device applications.
This state-of-the-art review primarily covers the fundamentals of graphene and its nanocomposites. Additionally, the energy storage and conversion solicitations of graphene-derived nanocomposites are scrutinized in terms of important devices. Accordingly, high-efficiency multi-functional supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells are debated. To the best of our knowledge, this article is pioneering in the field of energy storage and conversion devices in terms of the review outline, the collected literature, and the wide coverage of various devices to study the effect of graphene-based nanocomposites. Few previous reviews of the literature on graphene materials have included a comprehensive survey in order to support future progress in this field [21]. The future of graphene-derived nanocomposites in various energy storage and conversion systems depends upon overcoming the fabrication- and efficiency-related challenges to form multi-functional supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells.

2. Graphene: An Exclusive Nanocarbon

Graphene is considered an excellent nanocarbon form [22,23,24]. It has a one-atom-thick nanostructure containing sp2-hybridized hexagonal carbon atoms with π-orbitals [25,26,27]. Figure 1 presents the structures of graphene and its interrelated carbon nanomaterials. Initially, graphene was studied by the scientists Geim and Novoselov (Nobel Prize laureates in physics) in 2010 [28,29,30]. Since then, various approaches (top-down or bottom-up) have been adopted to form graphene nanostructures [31,32,33,34]. To name a few, graphite mechanical breakage, exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition, chemical or organic synthesis, and numerous other methodologies have been used [35,36,37,38]. Graphene has a light transparency of 97–98% [39,40]. The electron mobility and thermal conductivity properties of graphene were found to be 200,000 cm2V−1s−1 and 3000–5000 W/mK, respectively [41,42]. In addition, graphene has a very high Young’s modulus of 1 TPa and was found to be 200–300 times more solid relative to steel [43].
Graphene nanosheets can be held together through van der Waals interactions [44,45,46]. With all of these remarkable features, graphene and its related materials reveal valuable applications in energy devices and electronics, in the auto or space sector, and in countless other fields [47]. Graphene oxide is developed to be an efficient modified form of graphene, with hydroxyl, carboxylic, epoxide, and several other oxygen-containing surface functionalities and spectacular physical features [48]. Graphene, as well as its derived nanomaterials, have been researched for their superior electrical, thermal, mechanical, and physical features [49,50,51]. Consequently, graphene derivatives and nanomaterials have been used for electronics [52], sensors [53], transistors [54], batteries [55], hydrogen storage [56], and several other devices and applications [57] (Figure 2).

3. Graphene-Derived Nanocomposites: Innovative Materials

Graphene-derived nanocomposites have been designed and explored for their fabrication, nanofiller contents, nanoparticle scattering, matrix–nanofiller connections, and physical properties [58]. Specifically, polymer/graphene nanocomposites have been developed using various thermoplastics, thermosets, and conjugated polymer matrices. In polyethylene [59] and poly(vinyl alcohol) [60] matrices, the addition of graphene has enhanced the compatibility, electrical conductivity, and strength features of the ensuing nanocomposites. Subsequently, Shen and colleagues [61] designed the polystyrene- and graphene-derived nanocomposites. These nanomaterials depicted π–π interactions between the sp2-hybridized structure of graphene and styrene rings of polymer (Figure 3). The aromatic ring associations caused matrix–nanofiller bonding as well as compatibilization. As a result, the heat stability properties of the nanocomposites were found to be enhanced. Zhao and researchers [62] also fabricated polystyrene- and graphene-derived nanocomposites. The interface formation and interactions caused a percolation threshold of 0.0475 vol.% and a high electrical conduction of 20.5 Sm−1 [63]. Similarly, polystyrene/graphene nanomaterials were observed to be high in mechanical characteristics due to polymer–filler bonding [64]. In addition, a poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix was also filled with graphene nanofiller [65]. The dispersion of graphene nanoparticles established the interconnected percolation network for electron conduction. Balasubramaniyan and co-workers [66] formed poly(methyl methacrylate)- and graphene-derived nanocomposites. The nanocomposites had an electrical conductivity of 0.039 Sm−1. Additionally, the storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites were found to be improved with the addition of graphene. Thus, a graphene additive has been introduced in various polymers to enhance the physical characteristics of these nanomaterials.

4. Graphene Consequent Nanocomposites in Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors have been investigated to be notable charge or energy storage devices [67]. Alterations of device structures using efficient nanomaterials may result in enhanced charge-storing capabilities of supercapacitors [68]. Additionally, the use of appropriate processing techniques may improve the device’s performance [69,70,71]. In this context, nanocarbons and polymer/nanocarbon-derived nanomaterials have been used for the synthesis of supercapacitor electrodes due to their high robustness, high charge or power density, as well as capacitance [72,73,74]. Figure 4 reveals the Ragone plots for various energy storage devices. These various charge storage devices were plotted according to their performance. Here, the energy storage devices were developed and analyzed for their efficiency [75]. It can be stated that the capacitors have proven to be the most effectually operative charge storage devices.
Graphene has been accredited to be a remarkable carbon nanomaterial [77]. A significant application of graphene was observed for polymeric nanocomposite formation [78,79]. Adding small nanofiller contents to polymer/graphene nanocomposites may increase their desired physical properties [80]. In energy storage devices and systems, graphene and graphene-derived nanocomposites have been effectually useful. A successful design combination for the supercapacitor electrode was developed using conjugated polymers and graphene [81]. Conjugated polymer/graphene nanomaterials have a low cost, structural steadiness, high surface area, capacitance, energy density, and charge/discharge features [82,83,84]. In this context, numerous polymers have been applied to design the supercapacitor electrodes such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, and their derivatives [85,86]. Nayak et al. [87] reported a two-electrode solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor cell derived from graphene-supported tungsten oxide nanowires working as negative electrodes. To check the material performance, the specific capacitance and energy density performance of the supercapacitor were analyzed. Figure 5 demonstrates the transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of neat tungsten oxide nanowires and graphene-supported tungsten oxide nanocomposites. Neat tungsten oxide has nanostructures resembling the nanowire-like morphology. In the nanocomposite form, a well-oriented nanostructure was observed owing to the single crystalline nature of the nanomaterial. Figure 6 validates the functioning of a solid-state asymmetric energy storage device. The asymmetric supercapacitor device was applied for lightening the red-colored light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, Figure 7 shows the Ragone plots of the energy density, power density, and cyclic stability profiles of the nanocomposites. Following 4000 charge–discharge cycles, the energy density was maintained in the range of 6 to 25 W h kg−1. Henceforth, the graphene nanocomposites revealed superior specific capacitance, energy and power density, and cyclic performance for high-efficiency supercapacitors.
Çıplak and colleagues [88] reinforced the polyaniline matrix with graphene nanofillers, such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, in addition to the gold nanoparticles. Graphene oxide was developed using the Hummers’ method, whereas the nanocomposite was formed through the in situ polymerization method. The polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide–gold nanoparticle nanocomposite had a specific capacitance of ~213 Fg−1, which was 64% higher than the unfilled polyaniline electrode. A superior nanocomposite electrode performance was observed due to the electrostatic and π–π stacking interactions between the conjugated polymer and nanocarbon structures. Arthisree and co-workers [89] fabricated a supercapacitor electrode based on the polyacrylonitrile and polyaniline matrices and graphene quantum dot nanofiller. The electrode had nanofiller contents of up to 1.5 wt.%. The specific capacitance of the nanocomposites was found to be high, in the range of >100 to ~600 Fg−1. The superior supercapacitor performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of the conducting polyaniline and polyacrylonitrile as well as the graphene quantum dot additive [90,91]. Thus, the exclusive combinations of polymers and graphene led to high performance designs for advanced supercapacitors.

5. Graphene Nanocomposites towards Li-ion Batteries

Li-ion batteries have also been used as effective energy storage devices [92,93]. Previously, transition metal-oxide-based electrodes have been applied in these energy devices [94,95]. The continuing research on Li-ion battery electrodes focused on their longevity, large-scale processing, high capacitance, charge or energy storage, and other related properties [96,97]. Consequently, the research has moved towards using graphene nanocomposites and polymer/graphene nanomaterials to attain high specific capacitance and current density (~2000 mAhg−1 and >100 mAg−1, respectively) features [98]. Li and co-workers [99] designed a Li-ion battery electrode using graphene along with an aligned carbon nanotube. The resulting nanocomposite electrode depicted good capacity and electron conduction as well as robustness. Chang and researchers [100] fabricated a Li-ion battery cathode using graphene- and polysulfur-derived nanocomposites. The homogeneous scattering of graphene in polysulfur established the efficient electron transferring paths in the matrix. Consequently, the battery cathode had a high areal capacity of about 12 mAhcm−2. Jiao et al. [101] formed a Li-ion battery anode based on wrinkled nitrogen-doped graphene and red phosphorus. The nitrogen-doped graphene and the red-phosphorus-derived nanocomposite electrodes had a high electron conduction owing to the three-dimensional nature of red phosphorous. Figure 8 shows the formation of the nitrogen-doped graphene and red-phosphorus-derived nanocomposite through a simple and facile ball milling route. On the other hand, the solution route, i.e., Hummers’ method, was used to form the graphene oxide. After that, the cyanamide compound was adopted for the nitrogen doping of the modified graphene to obtain the N-doped graphene. Figure 9 illustrates the electrochemical performance via capacity vs. cyclic number plots and efficiency vs. cyclic number plots. The nitrogen-doped graphene/red-phosphorus-based nanocomposite electrodes revealed a very high reversible discharge capacity of >2000 mAhg−1 and an efficiency of ~88% through 100 cycles. Hence, the effectiveness of using graphene in Li-ion battery anodes is established.
Conducting polymer and graphene-derived nanocomposite electrodes have been designed for Li-ion batteries [102]. Li et al. [103] fabricated a polyaniline-grafted graphene-oxide-based battery anode. In these nanomaterials, aromatic π–π linking interactions were observed, which were found to be responsible for a high conductivity and high specific capacity of 900 mAhg−1. Moreover, the polyaniline-grafted graphene-oxide-derived anode had a high cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency. Guo and researchers [104] reinforced a conducting polymer poly(4-vinyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-N-oxyl) using a graphene nanofiller to form the Li-ion battery cathode. The resulting electrode had a high electron conduction, a reasonable specific capacity (270 mAh g−1), and an extended cycling life (20,000 cycles). Chae et al. [105] worked on the polyethylenimine- and graphene-oxide-based nanocomposites for the battery electrode. Accordingly, a high reversible capacity of 880 mAhg−1 was attained. Hence, the inclusion of graphene and graphene oxide provided considerable benefits to the performance of the Li-ion battery due to dispersion and interactions with the compatible polymer structures [106,107].
In lithium-ion storage batteries, basically different graphene-based nanomaterials have been used for electrodes such as graphene-supported polymers, graphene-supported sulfides, graphene-supported metal oxides or alloys, etc. [108]. The synthesis, morphology, conductivity, electrochemical, and capacitance performances of the graphene-supported nanocomposites need to be focused on for the improvement of lithium-ion storage batteries [109]. An important factor in using graphene nanomaterials in Li-ion batteries is the aggregation prevention for long-time functioning [110]. Thus, graphene materials with a high electrical conductivity must be produced for better battery performance. The production of a three-dimensional porous conductive network may also facilitate the electron transference through the battery materials. The controlled morphologies, satisfactory conductivity, and electrochemical properties as well as the charge storage specification of graphene nanomaterials have been found to be reliant on the microstructure, nanoparticle size, defect number, dispersion, and appropriate nanomaterial composition using conjugated polymer and graphene contents.

6. Graphene Nanocomposites for Fuel Cells

The fuel cell is an incipient energy conversion technological development employing nanocomposite structures for electrolyte membranes or catalysts [111,112]. Continuous research efforts have been made to develop high-performance fuel cells to improve their electrolyte or catalyst components [113,114,115]. In this context, various nanocarbon nanocomposites have been used in the fuel cell parts [116]. Polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanocomposites have been applied to electrocatalysts and electrode materials [117,118]. The resulting fuel cell revealed a significantly high power conversion efficiency [119,120]. Rahman et al. [121] formed three-dimensional graphene oxide and inserted sulfate ions into the three-dimensional graphene oxide for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Figure 10 depicts the freeze-drying technique for the insertion of sulfate ions in a three-dimensional graphene oxide nanostructure. The freeze-drying method was found to facilitate the formation of conducting routes as well as the stability of the nanocomposite. Figure 11 presents the fuel cell functioning while using three-dimensional graphene oxide and sulfate ions inserted in three-dimensional graphene oxide nanostructures. The fuel cell was operated at a 100% relative humidity and a temperature of 30 °C. The three-dimensional graphene oxide with inserted sulfate ions had a much higher power density and current density of ~113 mW cm−2 and ~311 mA cm−2, respectively, relative to the three-dimensional graphene oxide (power density and current density of ~50 mW cm−2 and ~121 mA cm−2, respectively). Moreover, the modified three-dimensional graphene oxide exhibited an elevated proton conductivity of 3.2 S cm−1 relative to the non-modified three-dimensional graphene oxide (0.7 S cm−1). The use of the three-dimensional graphene oxide with inserted sulfate ions was suggested to enhance the proton conduction capability of the nanomaterials due to their superior fuel cell performance.
Lee et al. [122] fabricated fuel cell membranes based on the neat Nafion, Nafion/graphene oxide, and Nafion/platinum–graphene nanocomposites. Figure 12 displays the water uptake and proton conductivity trends for the pristine Nafion and nanocomposites. Among all systems, the Nafion/graphene oxide revealed a higher water uptake behavior due to the hydrophilicity of graphene oxide. On the other hand, the proton conduction of the Nafion/platinum–graphene nanocomposite was observed to be higher than the neat graphene oxide and the Nafion/graphene oxide nanomaterial. The reason for this is probably the better ion conduction behavior of the interlinked platinum–graphene oxide nanostructure in the polymer matrix. To discover the robustness and stability of the membranes, the mechanical properties were studied (Table 1). Owing to the well-linked nanocomposite formation, the tensile strength of the nanocomposite was found to increase with the graphene oxide loading, whereas the elongation of break gradually decreased. Hence, the high performance Nafion membranes filled with graphene were developed for competent fuel cell applications.

7. Challenges and Future

Traditionally designed supercapacitors, batteries, or fuel cells have high price, high density, and low structural reliability problems [123]. Before graphene and its related nanocomposites were adopted, metal and metal-oxide-based electrodes, catalysts, or electrolyte components were greatly used in these energy devices and systems [124]. However, using traditional nanomaterials have several processability, structural, and performance drawbacks towards the functioning of these devices. Here, the designed graphene-based electrodes or other device components reveal remarkable advantages of being low in price, reliable, having a high heat stability, and being environmentally friendly. In addition, using graphene and its derivative nanomaterials may demonstrate high structural stability, superior mechanical robustness, high specific capacitance, high power density, elevated charge density, high charge capacity, superior power conversion efficiency, good cyclic performance, improved recyclability, and a number of other related improved features [125].
The commonly used nanocarbon nanofillers for device electrodes and components include graphene, graphite, carbon nanotube, etc. Among these, graphene has been found to be the most efficient to enhance the performance of various energy devices. Moreover, the use of conjugated polymers has been found to enhance the electron and charge transportation through these remarkable nanomaterials [126,127]. It was observed that the inclusion of small amounts of graphene nanomaterials in conjugated polymers notably increased the performance of the energy device components [128]. Additionally, plentiful research efforts have been performed using graphene-nanomaterial-based energy storing or converting components to attain a high surface area, good electrochemical performance, capacitance, charge capacity, charge density, power conversion efficiency, and other characteristics [129,130]. Despite these advantages, graphene-nanomaterial-derived energy device components have some drawbacks. Most importantly, pristine graphene may have low charge storing and energy conversion properties. Therefore, graphene nanomaterials cannot be used without the appropriate structural alterations or nanocomposite formation. The combinations of the graphene nanomaterials, especially modified graphene and conducting polymers, have been suggested in the literature. The functional graphene nanoparticles such as graphene oxide may offer good amalgamation with polymer matrices for various energy components. Furthermore, the electron conduction, supercapacitance, and fuel cell performance of the related electrodes and electrolytes have been found to be dependent upon the combination of conjugated polymers and graphene. Studies on the addition of optimum amounts of graphene or conducting polymers can be carried out to attain high efficiency electrodes in the future. For upcoming developments in this field, comprehensive research efforts on the structure–property relationships of graphene-derived nanocomposites must be performed.
More specifically, in supercapacitors, different graphene-derived nanocomposites have been utilized. Polymer/graphene nanocomposites with a high surface area and pseudocapacitance may result in a fabulous enhancement in the supercapacitor performance [131]. Consequently, multidisciplinary approaches have been found to be essential to understand the association between microstructure, electrochemistry, materials chemistry/physics, engineering, physical features, and interactions to overcome the significant challenges of these energy storage systems [132]. Improving these lines may resolve the worldwide critical energy issues that are causing global challenges [133].
Although promising results have been attained for numerous graphene-nanocomposite-derived Li-ion battery electrode materials, there are some prevailing challenges that need to be overcome for future developments [134]. Accordingly, the thorough understanding of the lithium storage mechanism in graphene-derived nanocomposites has been found to be indispensable to overcome the challenges regarding the surface defects, functionalities, and hierarchical electrode structures. The graphene dispersion in the nanocomposites has been considered essential for better Li-ion storage capacity and facile lithium intercalation [135]. The conductivity and mechanical robustness of graphene nanosheets need to be improved to sustain the repetitive cycling process. The designs of graphene-nanocomposite-derived Li-ion battery electrodes need to be focused on the rapid lithium ion insertion and extraction processes, stable output of energy, and power density of the batteries [136]. In addition, the high cost of graphene-nanocomposite-derived electrodes may significantly limit the scalable production and Li-ion battery application. Moreover, the high surface area of graphene nanomaterials may be advantageous, but also cause large irreversible capacity losses. Similarly, porosity in the nanocomposite may also be unfavorable due to the low volumetric capacity of the Li-ion battery. To achieve a superior electrochemical performance, an understanding the interfacial interactions in graphene nanomaterials, morphology control, porosity, defects, and graphene alignment in the nanocomposites have been found to be essential. The advanced graphene nanocomposite electrodes of Li-ion batteries can be effectively used for the development of future electronics, scalable energy storage devices, and electric or hybrid electric vehicles [137].
The inclusion of graphene in nanocomposites may cause high performance and resilience for fuel-cell-based energy conversion devices [138]. Graphene nanocomposites have been used in the electrodes, bipolar plates, and proton-conducting membranes of fuel cells. In electrodes, a high electrochemically active surface area is desirable for better electro-catalytic activity through fuel oxidation–reduction reactions. In the bipolar plates of fuel cells, durability, anticorrosion, and high performance must be achieved by appropriately incorporating the dispersed graphene nanomaterials [139]. In proton exchange membranes, graphene nanocomposite electrolytes must have good ionic conductivity, power density, and membrane performance [140]. Thus, perfectly designed graphene-based fuel cell devices with all controlled factors may have a worthy performance for the upcoming advanced commercial applications.
Henceforward, the future of graphene nanomaterials in energy devices greatly rely on the development of new innovative materials. In this context, using three-dimensional graphene-derived nanocomposites in energy systems may bring revolution in this field (Figure 13). The conversion of two-dimensional graphene into a three-dimensional network has revealed exceptional features for high-tech applications. The enormous progress in the field of energy devices has led to the utilization of three-dimensional graphene architectures [141]. However, there is an immense need for developing three-dimensional graphene-derived nanocomposite materials to expand the energy-related potential of graphene nanofoams.
Facile approaches need to be adopted to achieve efficient graphene-derived nanocomposites [142]. High-performance graphene nanomaterials have a range of superior physical characteristics including morphological properties, electron conduction, heat constancy, mechanical stability, reliability, and so on. All of these properties of graphene-derived nanomaterials rely on good interactions as well as compatibility between nanocomposite components, i.e., the polymer and nano-reinforcement [143,144]. As various structural combinations of graphene, graphene derivatives, and conducting or non-conducting polymers have been designed for high-end devices, enhancing their conductivity or capacitance may sometimes reduce the structural stability of the nanomaterials [145]. Consequently, the design of graphene nanocomposites must be carefully focused for high-efficiency devices and systems. Fewer studies have considered the actual mechanisms behind the charge storage and energy conversion or production capabilities of these devices, and so comprehensive research efforts were found to be necessary in this field. Accordingly, the matrix–nanofiller interface and matrix–nanofiller interactions (hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, covalent links, etc.) must be considered along with the consistent nanoparticle dispersion in the ensuing nanomaterials. Hence, plenty of future focused investigations on emerging energy device components based on graphene nanomaterials are thought to be necessary [146]. In addition to energy devices, the high-tech future of graphene nanocomposites can be observed in electronics, microwaves, telecommunication, and interrelated devices.

8. Summary

This overview exclusively and comprehensively debates the progresses in the arena of graphene and graphene-derived nanocomposites, concentrating on the energy storage and conversion solicitations. Graphene-derived nanomaterials have been constantly researched for supercapacitance, Li-ion batteries, and fuel cell applications. These devices have been categorized among the most essential energy storage and conversion devices. The investigations exposed the stability, charge storage, charge capacity, and conversion efficiency of these energy systems while employing some efficient carbon nanomaterials. In the case of advanced supercapacitors and batteries, using graphene, graphene oxide, functional graphene, and related nanocomposite nanomaterials amended the charge storage performance as well as the power conversion and utilization capabilities of the devices. The employed polymers along with the graphene-based nanofillers were found to be important to develop the high-efficiency energy-associated devices and systems. In other words, the choice of graphene nano-reinforcements along with the selection of polymers were considered indispensable for a better performance of the energy devices. In addition, the graphene modification as well as the graphene nanocomposite processing methods have played imperative roles in the enhancement of the charge storage and energy-production-related performance of these materials, resulting in high-efficacy supercapacitors and other devices. Consequently, the indispensable features of the energy devices and systems were enhanced using graphene or its derived nanofillers, graphene synthesis methods, nanocomposite fabrication techniques, etc., leading to homogeneous microstructure, matrix–graphene interactions, electron conduction, specific capacitance, charge capacity, high charge storing capability, charge–discharge, life cycle, charge density, power density, cyclic concert, reliability, and numerous related features of these systems.
Briefly speaking, in this article, we debated the topical research advancements in the graphene and graphene-derived nanocomposites for important energy storage and conversion systems. Although substantial developments have been made so far, the marvelous potential for real-world applications in cutting-edge energy systems still requires further research. Importantly, the fabrication of graphene and its related nanocomposites for diverse energy applications are still in premature stages, where gaps exist in understanding the atomic/molecular level functioning, essential limits, and failure of devices. Moreover, the high surface area of graphene-derived nanomaterials plays a significant part in supercapacitors and batteries for charge storage. The overall nanocomposite design supporting the combination of a high surface area and pseudocapacitance of graphene may result in a tremendous improvement in the charge-storing potential of devices. To overcome the challenges of energy storage systems, it is essential to develop and understand the multidisciplinary tactics and connections between materials science, engineering, microstructures, electrochemistry, physical features, and interactions.
Research has revealed the potential of graphene nanocomposites towards the electrodes of rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The high-energy densities of Li-based materials were found to be favorable for electronic energy storage. Mostly, the anode systems in Li-ion batteries benefited from using graphene nanocomposites due to their high surface area and conductivity values. All of these factors caused the high power density and rate performance of the Li-ion battery anode. In this context, the high surface area of graphene can accommodate more Li-ions to improve the energy density and capacity of the batteries. Carefully designed graphene-nanocomposite-based electrodes have been applied for commercial-level applications. On the other hand, the high surface area, aggregation trends, and porosity of graphene-derived nanomaterials can also decrease the performance of the electrode materials due to the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase layer causing a low first cycle Coulombic efficiency. Hence, the overall practical applications of graphene nanocomposites in energy storage systems have been limited. Moreover, using porous graphene-based materials may absorb large amounts of electrolytes, leading to battery swelling during electrochemical processes and also cost issues.
Moreover, unusually high physical/chemical properties of graphene nanocomposites have been used for fuel cell applications due to their efficient proton conduction. Graphene-nanocomposite-derived fuel cell catalysts have cost effectiveness, high durability, and insensitivity to carbon monoxide during electrocatalysis relative to platinum-based catalysts. In proton-conducting electrolytes, graphene derivatives have oxygen functionalities to hold water and develop the proton transportation channels. However, due to blending with polymers, some challenges may arise like aggregation, decreased surface area, and homogeneity of the electrolyte membranes. Hence, graphene has been blended with different polymers in order to fabricate nanocomposites for enhancing the processing, mechanical stability, chemical and electrochemical features, and other functions for applications in supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells. Although great evolutions have already been attained, the research in this field still faces several unresolved glitches.
Hence, this overview portrays the developments in the field of graphene nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion. In this context, several graphene nanofillers and derived nanomaterials along with polymers such as conjugated polymers, thermoplastics, and thermosets have been used for nanocomposites in order to attain advanced features of the energy devices. Appropriately adopting graphene-derived nanomaterials offers some notable future opportunities towards important energy storage and conversion systems. Moreover, constant research efforts may resolve the challenges related to the design, properties, and performance of applying graphene materials in energy devices. Forthcoming research may extend the use of the above conversed graphene-based nanomaterials towards efficient photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, nanogenerators, microelectronics, and numerous other devices.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, A.K.; data curation, A.K.; writing and preparation of original draft, A.K.; review and editing, A.K., I.A., T.Z., O.A., K.H.I. and M.H.E. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported and funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) (grant number IMSIU-RP23084).

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) for supporting and supervising this project.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

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Figure 1. Structure of graphene and related carbon nanomaterials.
Figure 1. Structure of graphene and related carbon nanomaterials.
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Figure 2. Application areas of graphene.
Figure 2. Application areas of graphene.
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Figure 3. Representation of formation and development of interactions between polymer and graphene [61]. PS = polystyrene. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 3. Representation of formation and development of interactions between polymer and graphene [61]. PS = polystyrene. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 4. Ragone-plot-based comparative behavior of the numerous energy storage devices studied so far, such as capacitors, superconducting magnetic energy storage capacitors, flywheels, batteries, and solid oxide fuel cells [76]. SMES = superconducting magnetic energy storage; SOFCs = solid oxide fuel cells. Reproduced with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 4. Ragone-plot-based comparative behavior of the numerous energy storage devices studied so far, such as capacitors, superconducting magnetic energy storage capacitors, flywheels, batteries, and solid oxide fuel cells [76]. SMES = superconducting magnetic energy storage; SOFCs = solid oxide fuel cells. Reproduced with permission from Elsevier.
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Figure 5. (A) TEM image; (B) HRTEM image of WO3 nanowires (inset is the FFT pattern); and (C) TEM images of graphene-WO3 nanocomposite [87]. TEM = transmission electron microscope; HRTEM = high resolution transmission electron microscope; FFT = fast Fourier transform. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 5. (A) TEM image; (B) HRTEM image of WO3 nanowires (inset is the FFT pattern); and (C) TEM images of graphene-WO3 nanocomposite [87]. TEM = transmission electron microscope; HRTEM = high resolution transmission electron microscope; FFT = fast Fourier transform. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 6. (a) Representation of a flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device and (b) diagram of a real ASC device that lights red LEDs after charging [87]. ASC = asymmetric supercapacitor; LED = light emitting diode; PVA = poly(vinyl alcohol). Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 6. (a) Representation of a flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device and (b) diagram of a real ASC device that lights red LEDs after charging [87]. ASC = asymmetric supercapacitor; LED = light emitting diode; PVA = poly(vinyl alcohol). Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 7. (a) Ragone plots of energy density vs. power density and (b) cyclic stability plots of specific capacitance as a function of cycle numbers (current density 6.0 A g−1) with a two-electrode solid-state ASC cell (graphene-WO3 negative electrode and activated carbon positive electrode) [87]. ASC = asymmetric supercapacitor. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 7. (a) Ragone plots of energy density vs. power density and (b) cyclic stability plots of specific capacitance as a function of cycle numbers (current density 6.0 A g−1) with a two-electrode solid-state ASC cell (graphene-WO3 negative electrode and activated carbon positive electrode) [87]. ASC = asymmetric supercapacitor. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 8. Diagram illustration of the formation of nitrogen-doped graphene and red-phosphorus-derived nanocomposite electrodes [101]. P/CNG = red phosphorus with nitrogen-doped graphene. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 8. Diagram illustration of the formation of nitrogen-doped graphene and red-phosphorus-derived nanocomposite electrodes [101]. P/CNG = red phosphorus with nitrogen-doped graphene. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 9. The plots for the capacity vs. cyclic number and efficiency vs. cyclic number for the electrochemical performance of the P/CNG nanocomposite electrode. The long-term cycling behavior of P/CNG nanocomposite electrode can be seen at the current density of 1300 mAhg−1 for 300 cycles [101]. P/CNG = red phosphorus with nitrogen-doped graphene. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 9. The plots for the capacity vs. cyclic number and efficiency vs. cyclic number for the electrochemical performance of the P/CNG nanocomposite electrode. The long-term cycling behavior of P/CNG nanocomposite electrode can be seen at the current density of 1300 mAhg−1 for 300 cycles [101]. P/CNG = red phosphorus with nitrogen-doped graphene. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 10. Fabrication of 3DSGO through freeze-drying technique [121]. GO = graphene oxide; 3DSGO = three-dimensional graphene oxide with hydrophilic sulfate ions. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 10. Fabrication of 3DSGO through freeze-drying technique [121]. GO = graphene oxide; 3DSGO = three-dimensional graphene oxide with hydrophilic sulfate ions. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 11. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance for 3DGO and 3DSGO membranes functioning at 100% RH (30 °C) [121]. 3DGO = three-dimensional graphene oxide; 3DSGO = three-dimensional graphene oxide with hydrophilic sulfate ions; RH = relative humidity. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
Figure 11. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance for 3DGO and 3DSGO membranes functioning at 100% RH (30 °C) [121]. 3DGO = three-dimensional graphene oxide; 3DSGO = three-dimensional graphene oxide with hydrophilic sulfate ions; RH = relative humidity. Reproduced with permission from the ACS.
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Figure 12. The plots for the (a) water uptake and (b) proton conductivity of Nafion nanocomposite membranes with (■) GO, (▲) Pt-G, and (*) neat Nafion [122]. GO = graphene oxide; Pt g = platinum–graphene. Reproduced with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 12. The plots for the (a) water uptake and (b) proton conductivity of Nafion nanocomposite membranes with (■) GO, (▲) Pt-G, and (*) neat Nafion [122]. GO = graphene oxide; Pt g = platinum–graphene. Reproduced with permission from Elsevier.
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Figure 13. The uses of three-dimensional graphene in energy systems.
Figure 13. The uses of three-dimensional graphene in energy systems.
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Table
Table 1. The tensile strength and elongation at break features of casting Nafion and Nafion/GO nanocomposite membranes [122]. GO = graphene oxide. Reproduced with permission from Elsevier.
Table 1. The tensile strength and elongation at break features of casting Nafion and Nafion/GO nanocomposite membranes [122]. GO = graphene oxide. Reproduced with permission from Elsevier.
SampleTensile Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)
Nafion9.4188.30
Nafion/GO 0.565.1631.85
Nafion/GO 3.074.6922.68
Nafion/GO 4.579.4719.12
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Kausar, A.; Ahmad, I.; Zhao, T.; Aldaghri, O.; Ibnaouf, K.H.; Eisa, M.H. Graphene Nanocomposites as Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion—Design and Headways. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 11593. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411593

AMA Style

Kausar A, Ahmad I, Zhao T, Aldaghri O, Ibnaouf KH, Eisa MH. Graphene Nanocomposites as Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion—Design and Headways. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(14):11593. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411593

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kausar, Ayesha, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, Osamah Aldaghri, Khalid H. Ibnaouf, and M. H. Eisa. 2023. "Graphene Nanocomposites as Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion—Design and Headways" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24, no. 14: 11593. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411593

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