Fullerene grafting in polymeric nanocomposite—a promising strategy

This review emphasized structure and features of high performance covalently linked polymer/fullerene nanocomposite. The polymer grafting on fullerene molecules may usually occur through covalent bonding. The covalently linked nanocomposites improved fullerene dispersion and matrix-nanofiller interactions. Fullerene molecules have been grafted to conducting polymers (polyaniline, polythiophene, polythiophene derivatives, etc.) and thermoplastic/thermosetting polymers/block copolymers. The covalent grafting of polymer chains on fullerene molecules may lead to exceptional structural, morphological, electrical, thermal, and other physical properties. Development of unique star-shape/dendritic polymer/fullerene assemblies was also observed. The covalently interconnected polymer/fullerene nanocomposite possess remarkable physical contour for high-tech applications including solar cells, optical sensors, supercapacitors, and biomedical fields.