Graphene oxide dough composites: direct mixing and structural design strategies for high-performance electronics and energy applications

Abstract

Achieving multifunctionality in nanocomposites requires both precise and straightforward strategies for compositional integration and structural design. However, the scalable and tunable incorporation of diverse nanomaterials, while enabling structural versatility, remains a significant challenge. In this study, we present a deformable, binder-free graphene oxide dough (GOD) platform that enables the uniform incorporation of various nanomaterials through straightforward mixing strategies. The viscoelastic GOD matrix facilitates both direct powder mixing (dough-to-powder) and composite-to-composite (dough-to-dough) integration, allowing for precise structural tuning from binary to quaternary composites. The resulting 3D frameworks exhibit dense architectures with interconnected conductive pathways and stable interfaces. Supercapacitor electrodes incorporating RuO₂ nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within the GOD matrix deliver outstanding volumetric capacitance (285 F cm⁻³ at 0.5 A g⁻¹) and excellent high-rate performance (206 F cm⁻³ at 20 A g⁻¹). Moreover, Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and CNT-containing GOD composites achieve exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (81.3 dB), demonstrating mechanical robustness and functional integrity. This scalable and versatile composite platform offers fine control over composition and structure, establishing a promising direction for practical high-performance energy storage and electronic systems.