Graphene: Understanding its Structure, Synthesis, and Functionalization
Page: 1-31 (31)
Author: Vinay Deep Punetha*, Anton Kuzmin and Golnaz Taghavi Pourian Azar
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010003
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Material science has gone through several evolutionary stages; especially the
discovery of graphene has added one of the most defining chapters in this journey.
Owing to the enormous potential of this material in various applications, a tremendous
pace can be seen in the development of graphene-derived materials and technologies.
The 2D revolution in material science can be marked by the shift from the bulk form of
materials to their intelligent and efficient two-dimensional (2D) analogs and their use
in developing innovative contrivances. Various forms of 2D graphene have recently
evolved, including mainly monolayer graphene, bilayer graphene, graphene oxide,
graphene nanoribbons, and graphene quantum dots. These materials have shown great
potential to revolutionize various aspects of human life, from electronics and actuation
to healthcare and energy.
Its exceptional properties make it an ideal candidate for various applications.
Continuing explorations and epistemological pieces of evidence will likely reveal even
more prospective applications. The book chapter deals with a concise overview of the
structural aspects of graphene, the presence of defects, methods of synthesis, and
functionalization. The chapter will help develop an essential understanding of the
critical aspects of science and recent developments around it. This chapter aims to
provide a quick and easily understandable summary of various complex aspects of it by
reducing irrelevant or extraneous information.
Hybrid Materials of Graphene and Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Emerging Applications
Page: 32-57 (26)
Author: Rabia Rehman, Junaid Ali*, Saira Arif, Sohaila Anam, Waqar Mahmood and Gul Naz
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010004
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Recently, nanoparticle-functionalized graphene materials have been in the
spotlight due to their exceptional properties. A pristine graphene sheet is an attractive
candidate for the dispersion of nanoparticles due to its large active surface area
compared to other carbon allotropes. Moreover, pristine graphene possesses electrical
and mechanical strength, which gives it a unique architecture. The chemical
functionalization of graphene intends to revamp its properties and elevate its use in
multiple applications by incorporating different functional groups. There are two main
approaches to the functionalization process, either based on covalent or noncovalent.
This chapter elaborates on the major strategies employed for the nanoparticles
functionalized graphene. The precursors of nanoparticles are metal salts which are
reduced in the solvent of the desired substrate. The strategies above involve the
deposition of metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and quantum dots on
graphene substrate. The functionalization of graphene improves its dispersion capacity
and sets forth new properties, which broadens its scope of applications. Furthermore,
we aim to focus on the potential of materials derived from nanoparticle
functionalization in various applications such as wastewater management, biomedical
devices, photocatalysis, food additives detection, supercapacitors, electrochemical gas
sensors, and energy storage, flexible electronics, photonics, photovoltaic systems, and
catalysts. We aspire that the readers will learn the synthetic strategies for the
functionalization of graphene along with guidance and inspiration on the emerging
trends towards applications of interest. This chapter surveys various properties and
applications of nanoparticle-functionalized graphene.
Harnessing Graphene-Based Nanocomposites for Multifunctional Applications
Page: 58-102 (45)
Author: Rabia Munir, Junaid Ali*, Saira Arif and Shahid Aziz
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010005
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Due to the distinctive 2D lattice structure, graphene, and its derivatives have
received much interest in recent years to advance technology into the era of stretchable,
bendable, and flexible technology. Graphene has advantageous features that create
diversely effective devices when combined with other materials to create composites.
Compared to graphene, its composites exhibit improved features such as excellent
mechanical strength, tunable electrical and thermal conductivity, and optical properties.
Graphene composites utilize graphene fillers, films, or nanosheets with several other
organic and inorganic groups, such as polymers, metal oxides, metal nanowires and
nanoparticles, quantum dots, ceramics, and cement through covalent or noncovalent
interactions. Numerous factors help tune the characteristics of the composites, such as
graphene concentration, filler dispersion, chemical bonding, and others. The chapter
discusses various methods for synthesizing graphene-based composites, including melt
intercalation, in-situ polymerization, solution processing, etc. It also discusses factors
that affect the composite's mechanical, electrical, thermal, photonic, and photocatalytic
properties and its wide range of uses in electronics, sensors, transistors, energy storage,
and environmental remediation. In addition, the problems and obstacles encountered in
the manufacture of composites have been highlighted.
Graphene-Based Gene and Drug Delivery Systems Innovations and Applications
Page: 103-127 (25)
Author: Kashish Azeem, Shalini Bhatt*, Rakshit Pathak and M. Tahir Siddiqui
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010006
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Recent progress in the nanotechnology sector has abetted to mitigate the
drawbacks associated with conventional therapies' limited effectiveness and medication
efficacy after the in vivo drug delivery. In this regard, graphene; a 2D nanomaterial; has
emerged as one of the wonder materials in medication delivery systems. Since the
discovery of its capabilities in a biological system in 2008, numerous improvements
and developments have been made till now in the therapeutic application of graphenebased materials. Additionally, it has been imparted with specific biological activities by
both covalent and non-covalent surface revamping which further improves their
biocompatibility and colloidal stability. Due to their hexagonal lattice and high surface
area, they possess the astounding ability to provide high drug loading capacity via
simple preparation methods, which makes them a more fecund material in comparison
with other drug delivery systems. The present chapter outlines the exclusive drug and
gene delivery applications of graphene-based materials and discusses their up-to-date
advances. The chapter also discusses in detail how the integration of graphene and
polymers makes them ideal as a delivery system in tissue engineering and nanomedicine for therapeutic approaches. The outlook presented here may help invoke deep
insights into the nanotechnology-based drug delivery system for future research.
Graphene and its Derivatives: A Potential Solution for Microbial Control
Page: 128-158 (31)
Author: Ghina Ashfaq, Junaid Ali*, Saira Arif*, Memoon Sajid, Gul Hassan and Ahmed Shuja Syed
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010007
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Graphene-based materials (GMs) are the most promising materials in this
era of antimicrobial and antiviral materials. Their excellent physicochemical properties
and biocompatibility have opened new doors in this field. Graphene has good
mechanical properties, a large surface area, high barrier mobility, excellent electronic
transport performance, and resistance to degradation. Antimicrobial and antiviral
materials have been used in the health sector for many years to fight off pathogens.
Antibiotics, metal ions, and quaternary ammonium hydroxide are used for bacteria,
while metals and organic materials are effective against viruses. Although metals are
effective against viruses, their toxicity, high cost, and unintended leaching restrict their
use as antivirals. Viral strains are progressively mutating, emerging as new threats to
our species' survival. Bacterial resistance has developed as a result of the excessive use
of antibiotics. The antimicrobial materials used so far have a high cost, cause
environmental pollution, and are complex to process. To overcome these challenges,
graphene-based materials have been in the limelight for antiviral and antibacterial
abilities against pathogens. The combined properties of graphene alongside metals,
polymers, metal oxides, and many other materials enable the perfect tool to protect
human health. Their efficacy and broad-spectrum activities against gram-positive and
gram-negative bacteria can potentially improve the quality of life. This chapter
examines the detailed application of graphene-based materials towards wound healing,
antibacterial coatings, biosensors, bioimaging, antibacterial sutures, anti-bio films,
photocatalytic degradation of bacteria, and antibacterial packaging.
The Role of Graphene in Revolutionizing Biomedical Imaging Techniques
Page: 159-182 (24)
Author: Shalini Bhatt, Neha Faridi and Ankur Agarwal
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010008
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Graphene possesses exceptional structural, mechanical, electrical, optical,
and thermal properties. These properties have provided researchers worldwide with a
vast horizon for their application in diverse fields including electronics, energy,
sensing, drug/gene delivery, photothermal therapy, and the biomedical field. Moreover,
in recent years, we have come across enormous research on graphene and its functional
analogs, especially in the biomedical imaging field. Therefore, the present chapter
provides impetus on bio-imaging modalities including optical imaging, magnetic
resonance imaging, positron emission tomography/single-photon emission computed
tomography, Raman imaging, and multimodal imaging. This chapter will provide its
readers with deep insights into the advances in bio-imaging using graphene-based
materials such as graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide. Finally, a
brief discussion on the challenges and prospects of using graphene materials in
bioimaging is provided.
Recent Advances in Graphene-Based Materials for Application in Cancer Therapy
Page: 183-208 (26)
Author: Viral Patel*, Tejal Mehta, Mithun Singh Rajput, Ravish Patel and Kartik Hariharan
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010009
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The surge in morbidity and death rates among patients suffering from cancer
call for innovation towards efficient therapeutic strategies. Conventional therapy fails
to treat cancer or to provide prolonged survival rate due to its toxic side effects on
normal cells and lack of target specificity. In recent years, 2D materials (graphene and
graphene analogues) have gained remarkable attention owing to their intriguing
potential for therapeutic and targeted delivery in cancer theranostics. Due to their
tunable physicochemical properties, π-π conjugated structure, optical characteristics,
modifiable active moieties, strong photothermal effect, high compatibility, and ease of
fabrication, graphene-based materials are highly suited for cancer treatment. This book
chapter meticulously discusses the synthesis, modifications, and biomedical
applications of graphene-based materials, explicitly focusing on graphene oxide (GO)
and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The authors detail the various methods for
synthesizing GO and rGO, their physicochemical properties, and how these properties
can be tailored for specific applications in drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.
Notably, this work highlights the versatility of GO and rGO in enhancing the solubility
and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, supported by examples such as the improved
solubility of doxorubicin and the use of graphene for targeted drug delivery, which
leverages the nano-scale properties of graphene for effective cancer treatment. By
compiling and synthesizing recent research findings, the chapter is a valuable resource
for nanotechnology and biomedical sciences researchers, providing a solid foundation
for future studies and technological advancements in using graphene-based materials
for cancer therapy. This work underscores the critical advancements in graphene
technology and its promising future in medical applications, especially in enhancing
the effectiveness and safety of cancer treatments.
2D Graphene for Tissue Engineering Advances and Perspectives
Page: 209-227 (19)
Author: Pragati Singh, Shalini Bhatt*, Neha Faridi and Lokesh Kumar Gangwar
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010010
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge in research studies exploring the
potential of graphene-based materials for scaffold fabrication, with a particular
emphasis on harnessing their exceptional properties such as high mechanical strength
and high surface area. Significant advancements in tissue engineering have led to the
development of innovative tools for creating artificial biotherapeutics. Among these,
graphene-based composites have emerged as a thriving area of research in tissue
engineering and regenerative medicine. The exceptional mechanical and cell-oriented
properties of graphene have positioned it at the forefront of tissue engineering
applications, encompassing various body systems such as nerve connections, the
cardiovascular system, the skeletal system, cartilage, skin, and more. This chapter aims
to succinctly explore the applications of graphene and its derivatives in tissue
engineering, considering tissue engineering as a pinnacle of human-made
biotherapeutics with immense therapeutic potential. Additionally, the prospects
associated with the utilization of graphene-based composite scaffold materials have
been reviewed in depth, providing valuable insights and a broad perspective on their
application in tissue engineering.
The Promise and Potential of Graphene Derivatives in Biotechnology
Page: 228-251 (24)
Author: Aakanksha Wany*, Sharmistha Banerjee, Anish Kumar Sharma and Vinay Deep Punetha
DOI: 10.2174/9789815223675124010011
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The extensive range of applications associated with graphene and its
derivatives has captivated the attention of nano biotechnologists due to their
remarkable versatility. The 2D clan of graphene possesses exceptional physical,
chemical, and mechanical characteristics, rendering it an extraordinary material with
unparalleled properties. It is an allotrope of carbon which has a 2-dimensional
hexagonal lattice structure. It has broad applicability in material science, physics,
chemistry, biology, etc. Graphene is advantageous over other materials because (a) it is
the finest and toughest material known to date; (b) It has a monolayer of carbon atoms
that are transparent and also possess flexibility; (c) it acts as an excellent electrical and
thermal conductor. Besides its natural availability, its demand has led to its synthesis
using hierarchical and self-assembly methods. Modification of graphene according to
various biological systems increases its solubility, selectivity, and compatibility.
Graphene is used as a substrate interfacing with different biomolecules and cells as
tissue scaffolds and to generate stem cells for regenerative medicines. Graphene and its
derivatives are applied in drug delivery, gene delivery, biomolecule recognition,
molecular medicine, bioassays, antibacterial compositions, biosensing, energy storage,
and catalysis. Graphene derivatives have been recently used as theranostics in cancer
because of their intrinsic photoluminescent properties and treatment of several
microbial infections. Though graphene has been explored tremendously, studying the
toxicity issues and its interaction with the environment and ecosystem is imperative.
This chapter will uncover the different forms of graphene and its derivatives; its
synthesis approaches, and various applications in biomedicine.
Introduction
2D Materials: Chemistry and Applications offers a concise exploration of the revolutionary 2D materials synthesis, their properties, and diverse applications. It presents information about graphene and other 2D materials like germanene and stanene, emphasizing their synthesis, functionalization, and technological use. The book chapters in part 1 cover the foundational aspects of graphene's structure and production techniques, highlighting their potential in areas like energy storage, drug delivery, and nanoelectronics. The book also explains the versatile applications of graphene-based nanocomposites, highlighting their multifunctional capabilities. Chapters also demonstrate the impact of functionalization on applications like biomedical imaging, microbial control, and environmental sustainability. The challenges and solutions concerning the toxicity of graphene-related materials are also highlighted. This book is a foundational resource for researchers, academics, and industry professionals in materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, and environmental engineering on 2D materials.