Well dispersed rGO in PVDF, PMMA and PTFE matrix: A nanocomposite with hydrophilic, capacitive, and improved tensile strength nature.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is active to bind with proteins so rGO based nanocomposites (membranes) can be explored for their use as bio fluid sensors. For this purpose, PVDF is a good polymer which provides flexible PVDF composite membrane. To achieve stiffer rGO/PVDF based composites, rGO/PVDF was modified with PMMA and PTFE due to their useful properties in the field of membranes. This paper reports the hydrophilic and thermally stable (up to 326 °C) rGO filler based PVDF/PMMA/PTFE thin membranes (nanocomposite) synthesized with solvent casting technique. An enhancement in the elasticity (80%) and tensile strength (566%) was observed due to PTFE. The increased rGO content in PVDF/PMMA/PTFE matrix was found to increase the tensile strength and capacitance of the membrane, while decreasing the elongation at break (stiffness). Dip sites identified by AFM in the fabricated stiff membranes also exhibit a water absorbing nature, demonstrating their possible use in a FET towards the sensing of biomolecules. [Display omitted] • rGO/Polymer(s) (PVDF, PMMA & PTFE) membranes prepared by casting method. • Thermally stable up to 326 °C, capacitive and hydrophilic thin nanocomposites • Enhanced Young's modulus and tensile strength due to PTFE • Conduction via connectivity and tunneling of rGO in composite [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]