Polymer-functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites for electrochemical sensing: A mini review

Polymer-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites have attracted considerable interest in electrochemical sensing because they combine tunable surface chemistry, high surface accessibility, electrical conductivity, and analyte-recognition capability. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical sensing applications of polymer–GO/rGO nanocomposites incorporating metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles. Particular attention is given to the distinct roles of GO and rGO, polymer-mediated interfacial interactions, charge-transfer pathways, analyte adsorption and recognition, and electrocatalytic activity. Major fabrication strategies and sensing platforms are critically compared in terms of sensitivity, linear range, limit of detection, selectivity, stability, fabrication complexity, and real-sample performance. The review further discusses how surface functionality, defect structure, morphology, and interfacial compatibility influence sensing behaviour. Current challenges, including reproducibility, electrode fouling, long-term stability, scalability, standardized performance evaluation, and practical validation, are highlighted. Finally, future research directions involving flexible sensing platforms, antifouling interfaces, multiplexed detection, and rational material design are proposed.