Silver-decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes: synthesis characterization and application in polymer composite-based devices

The present work reports a novel synthesis procedure to decorate multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) via silver nitrate (AgNO3) followed by incorporation of these decorated MWCNTs into polymers to form the nanocomposite. The samples of functionalized MWCNTs (FMWCNTs), Ag-decorated MWCNTs (Ag-MWCNTs) and polymer/Ag-MWNCT composites were investigated using various characterization techniques. The field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) image of Ag-MWCTs reveals the uniform distribution of Ag nanoparticles over the surface of MWCNTs. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of Ag-decorated MWCNTs. FESEM images and UV–Vis absorption spectra of polymer/Ag-MWNCTs composites clearly validates the development of polymer/Ag-MWCNT composites. Finally, the polymer/Ag-MWCNT-based devices were fabricated to compare the electrical performance with those comprising the pristine polymers. The 3D conducting pathways formed by MWCNT and extremely high conductivity of Ag contribute to the improved current levels and reduced cut-in voltage in the Ag-MWCNTs compared to the pristine devices. The electrical transport study also shows a significant modification in the dominant transport mechanism by addition of Ag-MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The present study could pave the path for the development of various cost-effective high-performance electronic devices based on Ag-MWCNT/polymer composites.