Smart cellulose/graphene composites fabricated by in situ chemical reduction of graphene oxide for multiple sensing applications

Abstract

Cellulose/graphene nanocomposite films are prepared by dispersing graphene oxide (GO) and dissolving cellulose homogeneously in alkaline–urea aqueous solution followed by in situ chemical reduction of GO to rGO. The efficient and eco-friendly reduction process renders these novel composites high electrical conductivity as well as good mechanical properties. As demonstrated on composites with 5 wt% rGO, the rGO/cellulose composite films can be applied as multifunctional sensor materials responding to different external stimuli, such as temperature, humidity, stress/strain, and liquids by electrical resistance changes.