Preparation and characterisation of silver nanoparticles/graphene oxide hybrid nanofiller reinforced-polyaniline

The silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coated graphene oxide (GO) hybrid nanofiller (Ag@GO) reinforced polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite via in situ polymerisation method is synthesised. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed the existence of chemical interactions between the Ag@GO hybrid nanofiller and the PANI matrix. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) spectroscopy showed the presence of a silver nanoparticle peak. The nanostructure morphology of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) established the presence of AgNPs on the surface of the GO nanosheets that successfully reinforced into the PANI matrix. The thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) thermograms revealed that the thermal stability of the PANI/Ag@GO nanocomposite was significantly enhanced due to the synergistic effect imparted by the AgNPs, GO, and PANI matrix. The dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) study indicated that the dielectric behaviour of the PANI/Ag@GO nanocomposite was enhanced because of the strong interfacial interactions existing between the Ag@GO hybrid nanofiller and PANI matrix. Polyaniline/Ag@GO nanocomposite has been prepared via in situ polymerisation method. The results showed that the thermal stability as well as the dielectric properties of the PANI/Ag@GO nanocomposite increases due to the synergistic effect imparted by the GO, AgNP, and PANI, which may be suitable for application in the energy storage devices. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT