Unveiling the Synergistic Effects in Graphene-Based Composites as a New Strategy for High Performance and Sustainable Material Development: A Critical Review

Jie Xiao, Xingxing Gao, Jie Xu (), Juzhong Tan, Xuesong Zhang and Hongchao Zhang ()
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Jie Xiao: Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100083, China
Xingxing Gao: Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100083, China
Jie Xu: Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Juzhong Tan: Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
Xuesong Zhang: Engineering Laboratory for AgroBiomass Recycling & Valorizing, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Hongchao Zhang: Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100083, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-31

Abstract: Graphene-based materials have been the subject of extensive scientific investigations owing to their distinctive properties and versatile functionalities. However, their applications are hindered due to limited material performance, difficulties in recycling, and high costs during manufacturing. Considering this, studies have developed graphene or its derivatives by combining it with other components, while some of these composites revealed significantly improved performance with lesser consumption of raw materials; the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately elucidated. Therefore, the aspiration for novel applications of graphene-based materials could be significantly improved with the full utilization of the synergistic effects of these materials. In this review, we intend to discuss the synergistic activities and their inherent mechanisms between graphene or its derivatives and metals, metal oxides, polymers, and bioactive compounds, among others. The effectiveness of synergisms in enhancing the performance of graphene-based composites is corroborated by studies in a variety of application areas such as antimicrobial materials, cancer therapy, sensors, electronic devices, catalysts, and more. The content presented will be useful to guide the future development of graphene-based materials that are highly efficient and environmentally friendly.

Keywords: graphene; nanocomposite; diverse applications; synergistic effects; mechanisms; photothermal; electrocatalysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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