Hybrid of silver nanowire and pristine-graphene by liquid-phase exfoliation for synergetic effects on electrical conductive composites

One-dimensional (1D) silver nanowire (AgNW) and 2D defect-free pristine-graphene have been integrated together to form a 3D hybrid network. The AgNWs were introduced into pristine graphene dispersion and then the sedimentation containing the two ocurred, leading to the formation of an AgNW/graphene hybrid. The graphene sheets embedded within the AgNW network fill the open spaces and enhance the interfacial contact between the AgNWs, leading to a uniform electrical conductive network. The AgNW network can prevent the re-stacking of graphene sheets, and the graphene sheets act as a protective layer to prevent the AgNWs from surface oxidation. The prepared hybrid was used as reinforcing nanoscale fillers to prepare epoxy-based conductive composites. The results show that the hybrid has synergetic effects on the improvement of the electrical conductivity and shear strength of the composites. The composites filled with the AgNW/graphene hybrid have lower volume resistivity and larger shear strength than the composites which contain graphene or AgNWs alone. It is found that the synergetic effect of the hybrid results from the uniform dispersion of the hybrid filler in the epoxy matrix and the formation of more effective electron-transport channels in the composites. This synthetic approach to the 1D/2D nanohybrids opens up opportunities for various potential applications ranging from devices to transparent electrodes and conductive composites.