Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has sparked the interest of the research community worldwide and has revolutionized the scientific frontier in nanoscience and condensed matter physics. Thanks to its unique chemico-physical properties, the “wonder material” turned out to be an exceptional enabler for emergent breakthrough technologies in several fields spanning from opto-electronics, spintronics and sensing, to energy storage, catalysis and climate tech [1].

Blending the remarkable properties of graphene with various matrices is the key to achieving bulk materials, such as composites and coatings, with enhanced performance and new functionalities [2]. Recent advancements in this field have propelled graphene composites into the spotlight for their exceptional mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties, thus promising breakthroughs in fields such as aerospace, automotive, energy storage and biomedicine. Researchers continue to make strides in producing graphene composites with improved dispersion and interfacial bonding, addressing challenges of scalability and cost-effectiveness [3]. Novel fabrication techniques and functionalization methods are continuously chased to achieve tailored properties.

The intensive work in the areas of graphene and graphene-based composites is reflected in the increasing number of articles and patents (Fig. 1). The number of publications on graphene applications had reached many thousands per year, which could be considered as a world record. Furthermore, the steady increase in the number of patents filed over recent years indicates growing interest and investment in this technology.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Explored applications of graphene to date (a) and scientific publications and patents in graphene research by year based on the topic search on the word “graphene” on Scopus and Espacenet databases, respectively (b)

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Most of the interest in this field comes from the versatility of graphene, as highlighted in this volume of Graphene and 2D Materials. It usually enhances mechanical properties– thus increasing shelf life and reducing waste [4] – and, simultaneously, introduces a variety of properties, from electrical [5] and thermal conductivity to the filtration of toxic contaminants [6] and sensing capability [7]. Probably the greatest potential for graphene-enabled composites appears in the transportation industry [8]; in fact, by incorporating many functionalities into one material, graphene allows for considerable reduction of vehicle weight, thus promoting a decrease of fuel consumption over traditional materials.

Nowadays, applications of graphene in bulk materials, such as composites and coatings, are closer to reality. In fact, many of these are already commercial successes, such as the graphene-based bike tires that offer increased performance and durability, and the graphene-enabled lightweight shoes with tougher grip and optimized thermal regulation. As research continues to push boundaries, graphene and graphene-based composites hold immense potential for revolutionizing numerous industries, unlocking possibilities for next-generation technologies, and driving innovation towards a sustainable and technologically advanced future.