Self-Assembly of Graphene Derivatives: Methods, Structures, and Applications (original) (raw)

The article provides an in-depth understanding of self-assembly concepts for the preparation of graphene-based composites for broad range of applications. This starts with a brief introduction of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide followed by the description of interlayer interactions and molecular bonds principally responsible for initiating self-assembly of graphene sheets and creating complex structures with one-, two-, and three-dimensional morphologies. Numerous self-assembly methods and self-assembled superstructures including fibers, thin films, spheres, crumpled particles, aerogel/hydrogels, honeycomb, and nacre-like structures have been discussed. Besides the structural merits, the useful properties and novel functionalities of these versatile nanoscale building blocks have been outlined. A brief overview of the recent progress of these self-assembled structures in the field of environmental remediation, sensing, energy, and drug delivery/tissue engineering is finally presented followed by the conclusion and future perspectives.