Graphene/layered double hydroxide nanocomposite: Properties, synthesis, and applications

• Graphene and LDHs have similar structure and complementary property.
• Graphene/LDH nanocomposite is synthesized.
• The synergistic effect is formed between graphene and LDHs in nanocomposite.
• Graphene/LDH shows better performance than pure graphene or LDHs alone.
• Future research directions of graphene/LDH are highlighted.

Although both graphene and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have similar two-dimensional lamellar structure, most of their properties are distinct and just complementary. Besides, both graphene nanosheets and LDH nanosheets encounter the common problem of aggregation during the process of application. In view of these, combination of both exciting materials together to form a novel nanocomposite can take full advantages of each kind of materials, which is an effective way for the preparation of multifunctional materials with extraordinary properties. The properties of graphene, LDHs, and the combined nanocomposite are described first. Then, the routes for the synthesis of this nanocomposite, including self-assembly of the exfoliated graphene nanosheets and LDH nanosheets, in situ growth of LDHs on graphene sheets, and in situ growth of graphene within or on LDHs are presented. The obtained graphene/LDH nanocomposite shows excellent performance as a multifunctional material for its promising applications in the fields of energy storage, catalysis, environmental protection, drug delivery, and material science. At the end, the possible future research directions on this emerging nanocomposite are highlighted.