Journal of Materials Science, Vol.53, No.20, 14337-14349, 2018
Preparation of light-sensitive polymer/graphene composite via molecular recognition by beta-cyclodextrin
The dispersion of graphene in water has generally been considered an insurmountable challenge owing to its hydrophobic nature. In this study, a new type of light-sensitive polymer/graphene composite (AzoPEO/beta-CD-RGO) was synthesized by the reversible host-guest interaction between azobenzene-terminal poly(ethylene oxide) (AzoPEO) and a beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) host attached to the surface of graphene via hydrogen bonding. In water, the AzoPEO/ beta-CD-RGO composite not only is well dispersed, but also exhibits reversible dispersion/aggregation behavior triggered by UV and visible light. Moreover, the graphene composite can be used to fabricate a light-responsive graphene-based drug delivery system. This kind of light-responsive graphene composite, which efficiently allows the control of graphene dispersion/aggregation, may find wide applications in the preparation of intelligent drug delivery systems, smart sensors, and switching devices.