Green and facile fabrication of smart cellulose composites assembled by graphene nanoplates for dual sensing

Abstract Novel, flexible, smart cellulose nanocomposite plates were fabricated by coating graphene nanoplate (GnPs) solution on the surface of cellulose sol, followed by hot pressing, in which GnPs was directly exfoliated and dispersed by PVP as exfoliating and dispersing agent. The structure, properties, and dual sensing (strain and pressure) of the resultant cellulose/GnPs nanocomposite plates (CGP) were systematically investigated. The formed conductive graphene network within the cellulose substrate, and the strong interfacial adhesion between cellulose and GnPs endowed the CGP excellent electromechanical properties, i.e. low electrical resistance (< 270 Ω cm), stable sensitivity on strain (GF 5.87) and pressure (S 0.037 kPa −1 ), good durability (> 1000 loading/unloading cycles). This work provided a green and facile approach to fabricate smart cellulose sensor responding to different external stimuli like stretch and compress by electrical resistance changes. Graphic abstract