Bioinspired Graphene‐Based Nanocomposites and Their Application in Flexible Energy Devices

Abstract

Graphene is the strongest and stiffest material ever identified and the best electrical conductor known to date, making it an ideal candidate for constructing nanocomposites used in flexible energy devices. However, it remains a great challenge to assemble graphene nanosheets into macro-sized high-performance nanocomposites in practical applications of flexible energy devices using traditional approaches. Nacre, the gold standard for biomimicry, provides an excellent example and guideline for assembling two-dimensional nanosheets into high-performance nanocomposites. This review summarizes recent research on the bioinspired graphene-based nanocomposites (BGBNs), and discusses different bioinspired assembly strategies for constructing integrated high-strength and -toughness graphene-based nanocomposites through various synergistic effects. Fundamental properties of graphene-based nanocomposites, such as strength, toughness, and electrical conductivities, are highlighted. Applications of the BGBNs in flexible energy devices, as well as potential challenges, are addressed. Inspired from the past work done by the community a roadmap for the future of the BGBNs in flexible energy device applications is depicted.

High‐Performance Nanocomposites Inspired by Nature

“…Recent progress in graphenebased nacre-like nanocomposites has successfully demonstrated the role of the synergistic effect. [9] Here, we conclude that the basic principles of bioinspired strategies are: i) constructing an orderly hierarchical micro-/ nanoscale architecture and ii) designing abundant effective interface interactions. An orderly hierarchical micro-/nanoscale architecture may generate a unique mechanism to bear the load.…”

“…Filtration is a straightforward, easily operable method, although the scale of the resulting film is severely limited. [9,68] Evaporation, however, is free from the size limit for assembling building blocks, with the additional advantage of simplicity. [9,69] Hydrogel casting also features fast and homogeneous blending.…”

“…[9,68] Evaporation, however, is free from the size limit for assembling building blocks, with the additional advantage of simplicity. [9,69] Hydrogel casting also features fast and homogeneous blending. [70] All these methods, however, are restricted by the limitations of homogeneity and stability of suspension during the time-consuming fabrication process.…”

“…Extensive research has revealed the mechanism responsible for natural materials' properties and shows that high-performance structural materials could be fabricated via bioinspired strategies. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] With the quest to develop novel bioinspired materials, it is essential to refine some basic scientific principles that can guide bioinspired fabrication.Recent research has indicated that the amplification of natural materials' mechanical properties far beyond those of the components that comprise them originates mainly from: i) a hierarchical micro-/nanoscale architecture and ii) abundant effective interface interactions. Here, we follow the roadmap of "discovery, invention, and creation," as shown in Figure 1, to give insight into the development of bioinspired structural materials.…”

“…Extensive research has revealed the mechanism responsible for natural materials' properties and shows that high-performance structural materials could be fabricated via bioinspired strategies. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] With the quest to develop novel bioinspired materials, it is essential to refine some basic scientific principles that can guide bioinspired fabrication.…”