Impact of Defects on Graphene-Based Nanocomposites: Structural and Functional Considerations

Graphene-based nanocomposites have attracted immense interest due to their outstanding mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, making them suitable for applications in energy storage, electronics, and structural materials. However, the presence of defects—both intrinsic and extrinsic—significantly affects these properties and influences their overall performance. Intrinsic defects, such as vacancies, Stone-Wales defects, and grain boundaries, arise naturally during synthesis and processing, leading to alterations in electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. Extrinsic defects, introduced through intentional doping and chemical functionalization, modify graphene’s interaction with other materials, enhancing its dispersion, reactivity, and compatibility in composite matrices. Understanding the formation mechanisms of these defects and their impact is critical for optimizing graphene-based nanocomposites. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the types of defects in graphene, their formation methods, and their implications for material performance. It explores defect-engineering strategies such as chemical treatments, ion irradiation, and thermal annealing, which can be leveraged to tailor graphene’s properties to specific applications. Additionally, graphical analyses are provided to illustrate the influence of different defect types on graphene's performance metrics. By offering insights into defect control and optimization, this review aims to aid researchers in developing high-performance graphene-based nanocomposites for next-generation technological applications.