Work

Magnetic Graphene Composites: From Rational Synthesis, Structural Design to Multifunctional Applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Magnetic graphene composites have emerged as a frontier material platform, offering designable properties and multifunctional integration across environmental, biomedical, electromagnetic, and energy applications. Despite extensive research, a coherent knowledge framework that systematically connects synthesis, structure, property, and application remains lacking. This review addresses this gap by establishing an integrated "synthesis-structure-property-application" design paradigm. We first propose a four-tier evolutionary framework for synthesis strategies, tracing the progression from modular in-situ assembly, substrate-guided single-component in-situ formation, and synchronous in-situ formation to molecular-scale precursor co-conversion. This framework reveals the causative relationships between synthesis pathways and microstructures, and culminates in an application-oriented synthesis decision-making tool that enables rational strategy selection. Building on this synthesis foundation, we systematically analyze three core structural regulation strategies-interface engineering, defect and doping engineering, and hierarchical structure construction-demonstrating how they function as synergistic "control knobs" for tailoring composite properties. Through detailed case studies across four application domains, we quantitatively show how targeted structural design drives performance breakthroughs: enabling high-capacity and selective pollutant removal in environmental remediation; constructing intelligent theranostic platforms in biomedicine; reconciling the "thin, lightweight, broadband, and strong" paradox in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding; and ensuring long-cycle stability of high-capacity electrodes in energy storage. Finally, we summarize the paradigm shift from "functional combination" to "performance synergy" and outline future directions, including dynamic intelligent systems, sustainable manufacturing, and data-driven design. This review provides a systematic theoretical framework and practical roadmap for the rational design and on-demand fabrication of MGCs, marking the field's transition from empirical exploration toward predictive, design-driven science.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules31132285