Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube-Graphene Nanosheet Hybrids and Their Application in Polymer Composites

Both carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNs) have potential applications in polymer composites. Combining them may induce a synergistic effect on enhancing the properties of composites. Herein, CNT-GN 3D hybrids were prepared by liquid injection chemical vapor deposition through a spray containing both carbon feedstocks and catalyst precursors. Vertically aligned CNTs were self-organized on the GNs. The morphology of hybrids could be well controlled as a function of the synthesis parameters. The unique 3D geometry of the CNT-GN hybrids provided composites with a higher electrical conductivity as compared to composites solely reinforced by CNTs or GNs. However, the thermal stability of the neat poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix was found to decrease upon the addition of these hybrid fillers.