Smart cellulose/graphene composites fabricated by in situ chemical reduction of graphene oxide for multiple sensing applications

Cellulose/graphene nanocomposite films are prepared by dispersing graphene oxide (GO) and dissolving cellulose homogeneously in alkaline-urea aqueous solution followed by in situ chemical reduction of GO to rGO. The efficient and eco-friendly reduction process renders these novel composites high electrical conductivity as well as good mechanical properties. As demonstrated on composites with 5 wt% rGO, the rGO/cellulose composite films can be applied as multifunctional sensor materials responding to different external stimuli, such as temperature, humidity, stress/strain, and liquids by electrical resistance changes.