Anhydride-based chemistry on graphene for advanced polymeric materials

Functionalization of graphene based on the coupling of acylium ions under conditions similar to Friedel-Crafts acylation is reported. The reaction is applied to the functionalization of graphene with low molecular weight polypropylene, and the resulting material when incorporated as a filler significantly enhances the electrical, mechanical and thermal performance of a commodity polymer like polypropylene.The authors thank the Spanish Government (MINECO) for nancial support (Projects: MAT2013-47898-C2-2-R and MAT2014-54231-C4-4P), a Ramon y Cajal Research Fellowship (H. J. S.) and a FPI studentships (S. Q. D). Also Mr David G´omez and Ms Isabel Muñooz (Characterization Service of the Institute of Polymer Science & Technology) are gratefully acknowledged for the SEM and Raman measurements, respectivelyPeer Reviewe