Graphene as initiator/catalyst in polymerization chemistry

One of the most important applications of graphene-based materials is the formation of nanocomposite materials, where graphene in the bulk-polymer matrix transfers its properties onto the polymeric material. Control of the polymer/graphene interface by attached polymeric interlayers is essential to generate nanocomposites, thus avoiding the aggregation of graphene nanoparticles. Among all graphene materials graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) can be prepared on large scales useful for mass production graphene/polymer composites. The direct use of graphene materials as both, the polymerization initiator or catalyst and additive not only diminishes the agglomeration of particles in composites but also reduces the process of composite production to one facile step, which in turn avoids further purification regarding to strong acid initiators and metal particles catalysts. Here, literature activities within the past ∼10 years using graphene-based materials either as initiator or catalyst in different polymerization reactions are reviewed.