Fullerene grafting in polymeric nanocomposite-a promising strategy

This review emphasized structure and features of high performance covalently linked polymer/fullerene nanocomposite. The polymer grafting on fullerene molecules may usually occur through covalent bonding. The covalently linked nanocomposites improved fullerene dispersion and matrix-nanofiller interactions. Fullerene molecules have been grafted to conducting polymers (polyaniline, polythiophene, polythiophene derivatives, etc.) and thermoplastic/thermosetting polymers/block copolymers. The covalent grafting of polymer chains on fullerene molecules may lead to exceptional structural, morphological, electrical, thermal, and other physical properties. Development of unique star-shape/dendritic polymer/fullerene assemblies was also observed. The covalently interconnected polymer/fullerene nanocomposite possess remarkable physical contour for high-tech applications including solar cells, optical sensors, supercapacitors, and biomedical fields.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the structure and features of high performance covalently linked polymer/fullerene nanocomposites. Through covalent bonding, polymer chains can be attached to fullerene molecules, which improves fullerene dispersion and interactions with the matrix-nanofiller. Fullerene molecules have been grafted onto conducting polymers and thermoplastic/thermosetting polymers/block copolymers, resulting in exceptional structural, morphological, electrical, thermal, and other physical properties. Unique star-shape/dendritic polymer/fullerene assemblies have also been observed. The covalently interconnected polymer/fullerene nanocomposites exhibit remarkable physical properties for high-tech applications such as solar cells, optical sensors, supercapacitors, and biomedical fields.