Avant-Garde Polymer and Nano-Graphite-Derived Nanocomposites—Versatility and Implications

Graphite (stacked graphene layers) has been modified in several ways to enhance its potential properties/utilities. One approach is to convert graphite into a unique 'nano-graphite' form. Nano-graphite consists of few-layered graphene, multi-layered graphene, graphite nanoplatelets, and other graphene aggregates. Graphite can be converted to nano-graphite using physical and chemical methods. Nano-graphite, similar to graphite, has been reinforced in conducting polymers/thermoplastics/rubbery matrices to develop high-performance nanocomposites. Nano-graphite and polymer/nano-graphite nanomaterials have characteristics that are advantageous over those of pristine graphitic materials. This review basically highlights the essential features, design versatilities, and applications of polymer/nano-graphite nanocomposites in solar cells, electromagnetic shielding, and electronic devices.