Review on graphene / polymer composites for energy storage application

Abstract

Graphene-based polymer composites have emerged as promising materials for high-performance energy-storage devices due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and large surface area. This review synthesizes and evaluates over a decade of research sourced from major scientific databases. Studies were selected based on relevance, experimental clarity, and reported electrochemical performance metrics. Quantitative trends across the literature show that graphene/polymer electrodes typically achieve electrical conductivities ranging from 10–10³ S/m, specific capacitances between 50–850 F/g, and cycling stability exceeding 80–95% retention after 5,000–10,000 cycles, depending on polymer type and fabrication route. The review examines advances in synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical behavior of polymer/graphene composites, with emphasis on the effects of graphene dispersion quality, polymer matrix selection, and fabrication techniques on device performance. Both conductive and non-conductive polymers, diverse structural designs, and advanced graphene functionalization routes are discussed. Emerging production techniques such as in-situ polymerization, electrochemical deposition, layer-by-layer assembly, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) are critically compared for their influence on interfacial bonding and charge-transport pathways.Key challenges identified across the literature include interfacial incompatibility, mechanical degradation of conductive polymers, graphene restacking, and limited scalability of fabrication methods. The paper also highlights emerging opportunities such as flexible and wearable energy-storage systems, solid-state polymer electrolytes, self-healing electrode architectures, and environmentally sustainable green-synthesis approaches. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive performance-based comparison and outlines future research directions needed to translate polymer/graphene composites into commercially viable energy-storage technologies.