Thermal stability and optoelectronic behavior of polyaniline/GNP (graphene nanoplatelets) nanocomposites

TL;DR

This study investigates how incorporating graphene nanoplatelets into polyaniline enhances its thermal stability and optoelectronic properties, demonstrating improved material characteristics for potential electronic applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel synthesis method for PANI-GNP nanocomposites and thoroughly characterizes their enhanced properties compared to pure polyaniline.

Findings

Increased thermal stability with higher GNP content

Reduced bandgap indicating better optoelectronic suitability

Uniform coating of polyaniline on GNP confirmed by spectroscopy

Abstract

Polyaniline and graphene nanoplatelets (PANI-GNP) nanocomposites are synthesized by in situ oxidative polymerization of polyaniline using an oxidizing agent, ammonium peroxy disulphate (APS). The mass of GNP in the nanocomposites varied by 5, 10, and 15 wt% compared to PANI. The synthesized polyaniline coated graphene nanoplatelets (PANI-GNP) nanocomposites are chemically characterized and using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). FTIR and Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the uniform coating of polyaniline on GNP. The SEM micrograph and XRD pattern demonstrate the polymerization quality and crystallization degree of samples. UV-Vis analysis showed a decrease in the bandgap of polyaniline, which confirms that nanocomposites are more suitable for optoelectronic application because of variation in the bandgap. TGA analysis showed the thermal stability of PANI is increased with the increased mass of GNP. This study suggests the potential of GNP as a filler for efficient modification in the morphological, electrical, optical, and thermal properties of PANI.