Exploring Surface and Tunneling Properties of Defect-Oriented Quasi-Graphene/Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanocomposite Films as Flexible 2D Materials for Electronic Applications

[Image: see text] Here, we demonstrate the promising tunneling property of electrons across quasi-graphene/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) through the Coulomb blockade region. The melt-mixing technique is used to prepare such a nanocomposite by mixing a nanofiller into the polymer matrix. The structure and surface morphology are studied using X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy measurements, which show defects oriented in the sample while the binding of matrix with the nanofiller remains highly conductive even upon its binding with the insulating matrix. Tunneling properties of quasi-graphene/PVDF are studied using scanning tunneling microscopy measurements, which indicate high resistance in the Coulomb blockade region. Potential aspects of quasi-graphene/PVDF as a flexible material for device applications are also discussed.