Functionalization of Graphene: Covalent and Non-Covalent Approaches, Derivatives and Applications

Graphene, the two-dimensional sp2-hybridized carbon, is currently, without any doubt, the most intensively studied material. This single-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arrayed in a honeycomb pattern is the world's thinnest, strongest, and stiffest material, as well as being an excellent conductor of both heat and electricity. Despite the great application potential, it is worth mentioning that graphene itself possesses zero band gap as well as inertness to reaction, which weakens the competitive strength of grapheme in the field of semiconductors and sensors. The functionalization of pristine graphene sheets with organic functional groups has been developed for several purposes. The main purpose is the dispersibility of graphene in common organic solvents that is usually obtained after attachment of certain organic groups. The dispersion of graphene sheets in organic solvents is a crucial move toward the formation of nanocomposite materials with graphene.