Synthesis of sustainable, lightweight and electrically conductive polymer brushes grafted multi-layer graphene oxide

This work reports the synthesis of poly (monomethyl itaconate) grafted multi-layer graphene oxide (PMMI-g-GO) by atom transfer radical polymerization using activators regenerated electron (ARGET-ATRP). PMMI-g-GO presents outstanding properties, such as a high electrical conductivity (5.04 S m-1), low number stacked layers (6) and IG/I2D ratio 2.05 estimated from Raman spectrum, which indicates quality graphenic material. In addition, polymer brushes based on PMMI represent new green alternative for development composite materials, since monomer used their production is obtained renewable source. Interestingly, nanomaterial also capable storing Li+ ions without need conductive additives that are usually employed in electrode's composition conventional lithium ion batteries.