Graphene quantum dot for thermoplastic nanocomposites—Scope and opportunities

Quantum dot can be seen as an amazing nanotechnological discovery, including inorganic semiconducting nanodots as well as carbon nanodots, like graphene quantum dots. Unlike pristine graphene nanosheet having two dimensional nanostructure, graphene quantum dot is a zero dimensional nanoentity having superior aspect ratio, surface properties, edge effects, and quantum confinement characters. To enhance valuable physical properties and potential prospects of graphene quantum dots, various high-performance nanocomposite nanostructures have been developed using polymeric matrices. In this concern, noteworthy combinations of graphene quantum dots have been reported for a number of thermoplastic polymers, like polystyrene, polyurethane, poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), and so on. Due to nanostructural compatibility, dispersal, and interfacial aspects, thermoplastics/graphene quantum dot nanocomposites depicted unique microstructure and technically reliable electrical/thermal conductivity, mechanical/heat strength, and countless other physical properties. Precisely speaking, thermoplastic polymer/graphene quantum dot nanocomposites have been reported in the literature for momentous applications in electromagnetic interference shielding, memory devices, florescent diodes, solar cells photocatalysts for environmental remediation, florescent sensors, antibacterial, and bioimaging. To the point, this review article offers an all inclusive and valuable literature compilation of thermoplastic polymer/graphene quantum dot nanocomposites (including design, property, and applied aspects) for field scientists/researchers to carry out future investigations on further novel designs and valued property-performance attributes.