Electroactive Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposites for Self-Sustaining and Multifunctional Flexible Devices

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 06 | Page : 260 271
    By

    J. Lurdhumary,

  • Suguna B. Rao,

  • S. Nooray Sashmi,

  • Praveen Vundrajavarapu,

  • V.G. Pratheep,

  • G. Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar,

  • V. Pandyaraj,

  • K. Manimekalai,

  • Zakir Hussain,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Sri Sairam Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of civil Engineering, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Professor, Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.R.K.R Engineering College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Velalar College of Engineering and Technology, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Professor, Department of Physics, R.M.K. Engineering College, Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Associate Professor, Department of Physics, St.Joseph’s Institute of Technology, OMR, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Technology, Loyola Academy, Secunderabad, Telangana, India

Abstract

Graphene–reinforced polymer–composites were developed and systematically investigated to explore their multifunctionality in flexible electronic applications. The study specifically aims to correlate graphene-induced structure–property–function relationships with electroactive performance and self-sustaining behaviour in flexible devices. The hybridization of electroactive polymers—polyaniline (PANI), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT:PSS), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)—with graphene nanoplatelets enabled simultaneous enhancement of electroactivity, energy-harvesting, and sensing functionalities. Morphological studies confirmed uniform graphene dispersion at 5 wt.% loading, forming continuous filler–matrix percolation networks, while higher loadings caused agglomeration detrimental to composite homogeneity. XRD analysis revealed graphene-induced nucleation of the β-phase in PVDF–polymer–composites, directly enhancing electroactive crystallinity. Electrochemical testing showed conductivity of PEDOT:PSS–graphene composites increased from 1.2 × 10³ S/m to 4.6 × 10³ S/m, with capacitance rising from 180 to 315 F/g, highlighting the synergy between the polymer matrix and nanofiller. Charge–discharge cycling yielded an energy density of 32 Wh/kg with 92% retention after 5000 cycles. Self-sensing studies demonstrated that PVDF–graphene composites generated consistent outputs of ~2.8 V after 10,000 cycles, while PANI–graphene polymer–composites achieved a gauge factor of ~65.3 with linear piezoresistive response. Hybrid piezoelectric–triboelectric polymer–composite films harvested 50 µW/cm² under 5 Hz excitation, enabling a 100 μF capacitor to charge to 3.2 V in 150 s and power an LED. Mechanical testing showed tensile strength improved by ~65% (from 35 to 58 MPa) with preserved flexibility after 10,000 bending cycles. These integrated electroactive, sensing, and mechanical properties demonstrate the multifunctional nature of the developed composites, making them strong candidates for next-generation wearable, self-powered flexible devices.

Keywords: Polystyrene, Polyvinylidene fluoride, Nanocomposites, Electroactive Graphene, polymers—polyaniline.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

How to cite this article:
J. Lurdhumary, Suguna B. Rao, S. Nooray Sashmi, Praveen Vundrajavarapu, V.G. Pratheep, G. Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar, V. Pandyaraj, K. Manimekalai, Zakir Hussain. Electroactive Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposites for Self-Sustaining and Multifunctional Flexible Devices. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):260-271.
How to cite this URL:
J. Lurdhumary, Suguna B. Rao, S. Nooray Sashmi, Praveen Vundrajavarapu, V.G. Pratheep, G. Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar, V. Pandyaraj, K. Manimekalai, Zakir Hussain. Electroactive Graphene–Polymer Nanocomposites for Self-Sustaining and Multifunctional Flexible Devices. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):260-271. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=233501


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 06
Received 26/09/2025
Accepted 09/10/2025
Published 25/10/2025
Publication Time 29 Days
137

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