Graphene quantum dots and polypyrrole incorporated polyacrylic acid hydrogels with enhanced conductivity

Abstract

Abstract Highly conductive hydrogels of functional graphene quantum dots (FGQDs) and polypyrrole (PPy) incorporated polyacrylic acid (FGQDs/PAA20/PPy) were fabricated through chemical cross-linking and in-situ polymerization. The amount of FGQDs, PPy and cross-linker affecting on the morphology, swelling ratio and electrical properties of FGQDs/PAA20/PPy composite hydrogels was investigated. FGQDs produced smaller-sized pores on the structure of PAA hydrogels, but hardly affected their porosity and swelling ratio. A high conductivity of 0.29 S/m was achieved for FGQDs/PAA20/PPy hydrogels, which promised high possibility in various fields.