Title : Surface area-driven functionalization of graphene oxide: A review on interfacial challenges, charge transfer, and enthalpy shifts in polymeric epoxy blends

This study reviews the critical challenges in integrating graphene oxide (GO) into polymeric epoxy blends, focusing on leveraging its high theoretical specific surface area through strategic chemical functionalization. Despite its exceptional properties, pristine GO often suffers from severe agglomeration driven by ????−???? stacking, which hinders interfacial efficiency. Surface functionalization addresses this barrier by tailoring the interface, drastically decreasing charge transfer resistance (R_ct) and enhancing local electron mobility across the polymer-GO boundary. Furthermore, the engineered interface induces significant thermodynamic shifts within the epoxy matrix; the high specific surface area restricts the segmental mobility of polymer chains, altering the heat capacity (C_p) step and optimizing the total cure enthalpy (H_cure). This structural immobilization effectively suppresses enthalpy relaxation, enhancing long-term thermal stability. Ultimately, tuning the GO surface area via functionalization represents a vital pathway to overcome interfacial limitations, translating nanoscale properties into high-performance advanced materials for technological applications.

Jaqueline S. Soares is a chemical engineer and researcher specializing in nanostructured membranes and films for environmental solutions and biomaterials. A specialist in Recovery of Degraded Areas from Feevale University and a Master’s candidate in Materials Engineering at UFRGS, she leads innovative research in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Her studies focus on developing nanostructured frameworks for gas and pollutant sequestration, as well as ion-exchange membranes. Currently, she serves as CEO of the BIOPROSEG Institute of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology, where she coordinates the development of high-performance advanced materials for sustainability.