Layer-by-Layer Assembly for Graphene-Based Multilayer Nanocomposites: The Field Manual

Abstract

With its superior electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties, graphene offers a versatile platform for fabricating innovative hybrid composite materials with diverse potential applications. The preparation of graphene-based composites, particularly as thin films with nanoscale precision, is highly important for fabricating electrodes for energy and electronic devices as well as for facilitating understanding of the interplay between each component within the composites. In this context, the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique offers a simple and versatile process for the fabrication of highly ordered multilayer film structures from various types of materials in a controllable manner. This paper presents details of the preparation and functionalization of these materials and the techniques for the LbL assembly of different graphene-based nanocomposites using polymers and nanoparticles. We anticipate that the protocols presented in this paper will guide researchers in the reproducible assembly of various high-quality graphene-based nanocomposites for fundamental researches and for diverse potential applications.