Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) for Multifunctional Applications

Through the amide formation between amine-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and oxygen-containing groups (e.g., epoxy and carboxyl groups) in graphene oxide (GO), we have synthesized POSS-functionalized graphene nanosheets (POSS-graphene), which are highly soluble in various organic solvents attractive for multifunctional applications. Thin films from solution casting of the resultant POSS-graphene were found to show superhydrophobic properties with a water/air contact angle of ∼157°, while the superhydrophobic POSS-graphene powder could be used to construct liquid marbles. In addition, the POSS-graphene hybrids were also used as novel nanofillers to increase the glass transition temperature (Tg) and decompose temperature (Td) for polymers.