Layer-by-layer nanoarchitectonics of graphene/polybenzimidazole functional composite film with excellent photo-thermal behavior and low electrical conductivity

Ice accumulation is considered one of the most severe threats for the safety and performance of transmission equipment, specifically power lines. Prevention of ice accumulation urgently requires photo-thermal materials with excellent photo-thermal and mechanical properties, as well as low electrical conductivity. Such materials can effectively remove ice from high voltage lines without causing electrical breakdown. Here, graphene/polybenzimidazole (GN/PBI) composite film was prepared using a layer-by-layer scraping method. The as-prepared composite film with 2.5 % graphene achieved a temperature as high as 80 ℃ under only 1.0 kW m−2 irradiation and high tensile strength of up to 139 MPa. Moreover, the obtained film maintained good insulating performance with electrical conductivity as low as 10-13 S/cm, even when filled with 5.0 wt% graphene. This work provides a general method for preparing composites with high photo-thermal and mechanical performance, as well as low electrical conductivity.