Cellulose/graphene nanocomposite as multifunctional electronic and solvent sensor material

• Graphene/cellulose nanocomposite is synthesized.
• Dielectric property is significantly improved upon grafting graphene oxide.
• The nanocomposite is extremely sensitive to organic solvents.

At present continuous advance of modern electronics, the demand for eco-friendly multifunctional and flexible material importance rapidly grows. Graphene/cellulose nanocomposite with good mechanical, dielectric and electrical performances was reported in this study by combining with modified graphene oxide sheets cellulose in a well-controlled manner. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transforms infrared, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The performance as solvent sensor was also evaluated on the basis of relative capacitance change with the interaction with various solvents. The sensing ability and selectivity explained based on solubility parameters and diffusion processes.