Emergent fullerene nanocomposites with conjugated matrices—An overview

Abstract

Fullerene, an intimate zero dimensional nanocarbon, has been frequently adopted as nanocomposite reinforcement. Imperative utilizations of fullerene and derived nanocomposites have been observed in energy, optical, and electronics devices sectors. Conjugated or conductive polymers have π-conjugation backbone system leading to semiconducting features. In addition to fine electron conduction, these polymers have advantages of low weight, facile processing, and chemical and thermal robustness. Including nanocarbon dopants in conjugated polymers have enhanced several technical features of these matrices. Accordingly, this progressive overview highlights design, properties, and potential of fullerene reinforced conducting polymer nanocomposites. The structural multiplicity of conducting polymer/fullerene nanocomposites enabled advanced features and potential. Consequently, ensuing nanocomposites revealed efficient structural, morphological, and physical characteristics, along with several revolts in technological fields like photovoltaics, supercapacitors, sensors, etc. Forthcoming research on ground-breaking fullerene may daze design/performance challenges towards large scale practical applications.

Keywords

• Fullerene
• Conjugated polymer
• Nanocomposite
• Conductivity
• Polyaniline
• Photovoltaics