Recent Advances in Graphene-Polymer Nanocomposite-Based Flexible Sensors and Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Flexible sensors are uplifting many application segments with their versatility and ease of fabrication and integration. The amalgamation of functional fillers and polymers advances the field of flexible sensors. Various fillers are currently utilized to develop polymer nanocomposites for sensing applications. However, graphene-polymer nanocomposites find widespread applicability in flexible sensing applications due to the excellent properties of graphene, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, 2D (2 dimensional) layered structure, and high aspect ratio. This review explores the potential of graphene-polymer nanocomposites as various sensors, including physical, chemical, electrochemical, triboelectric, and moisture-electric generator-based sensors. The technological advancements in developing these sensors are thoroughly discussed, followed by the various underlying sensing mechanisms. Also, the broad application areas where these sensors can be utilized are reviewed and discussed. The review critically assesses the advancements in the established sensing technologies based on graphene-polymer composites. Also, it discusses the challenges and new avenues that are yet to be addressed and explored, paving the way to develop next-generation flexible sensors for advanced applications.