A review of three-dimensional graphene networks for use in thermally conductive polymer composites: construction and applications

As the power consumption and heat generation of electronic devices continue to increase, higher demands are being placed on thermal management materials for heat dissipation. Graphene has been widely used as a thermally conductive filler to improve the thermal conductivity of polymers. However, the poor dispersibility of graphene nanoplates in polymers dramatically limits their practical use in thermal management. A promising strategy to increase the thermal conductivity of polymer composites is to construct interconnected three-dimensional graphene networks. This review summarizes the recent advances in the construction and applications of three-dimensional graphene-based polymer composites and ways to improve their thermal conductivity. The current challenges and prospects for the preparation and applications of these materials are considered.