An Overview of Coating Processes on Metal Substrates Based on Graphene-Related Materials for Multifarious Applications

Abstract

Carbon-based nanostructures and their two-dimensional nanosheets have emerged because of their extraordinary properties. These graphite-derived nanosheets are graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and graphene. They are also known as graphene-related materials (GRMs). Attempts have been made for their broad uses in numerous applications such as energy storage (ES) devices, protective coating layers, current collectors, electrode materials, photocatalytic and sensing applications, and dispersoids to enhance the mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. However, the surface coating of these GRMs has been dominating and challenging domain in the preparation of composites. The outstanding properties of GRMs, such as ample surface area due to the high aspect ratio, hydrophilic nature due to hydroxyl groups, high tensile strength and flexibility, ultimate charge carrier mobility, and elevated thermal conductivity, have attracted substantial interest in the coating industry. The ecofriendliness and nontoxicity of these GRM-based biofilms act as a unique ingredient in their uses. Hence, fabricating such GRM coating materials conventionally and cost-effectively on supporting substrates have broad applications. The present work summarizes different GRM-based coating processes using various deposition methods, structural characterization techniques, and promising applications. The development of GRMs and GRM-assisted materials, their coating processes on the substrate, and diverse applications have been thoroughly reviewed and discussed. The outlook, challenges, and future perspectives are highlighted.