Preparation of PE/GO nanocomposites using in situ polymerization over an efficient, thermally stable GO-supported V-based catalyst

Abstract

In the present article, an efficient and thermally stable vanadium (V)-based Ziegler–Natta catalyst supported on graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized. The resultant catalyst exhibited highly dispersed active sites along the surface, superior catalytic activity toward ethylene polymerization, and enhanced thermal stability, in contrast to the conventional VOCl₃ catalyst. Interestingly, the resultant polyethylene (PE)/GO nanocomposite exhibited a higher thermal stability and better mechanical properties than PE obtained using VOCl₃. Transmission electron microscopy reveals graphene homogeneously dispersed within the PE matrix.