Graphene and its derivatives based polymer nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding applications: A comprehensive review

Over the last two decades, graphene and its derivatives based fascinating materials have been exploited in the synthesis of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) derived from various polymer matrices including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets, biopolymers, and conducting polymers have been extensively demonstrated. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the recent developments and perspectives of graphene-derived multifunctional PNCs for application in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding devices. In the first part of the review, the synthesis routes of graphene and its derivatives have been discussed in detail. Later, different processing methods of graphene-derived PNCs have also been discussed. Furthermore, the review discusses the primary EMI shielding mechanism and key parameters that define the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of graphene-based PNCs. Besides, the review also highlights key parameters such as the type of polymer matrix, nanofiller type and concentration, sample thickness, and grain size that need to be considered for advancing the EMI shielding properties of PNCs. Finally, the review provides insight into the factors influencing the EMI SE values of PNCs and discusses the challenges and future perspectives for developing a new generation of shielding materials.