Cu-Cu2O@graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites: Facile synthesis, characterization, and electrical conductivity properties

Abstract

Sphere-like Cu-Cu2O nanoparticles on graphene nanoplatelets (Cu-Cu2O@GNP) nanocomposites were prepared via the in situ decomposition of copper acetate and GNP at 500 °C in N2 flow. The thermal behavior of the copper acetate and GNP mixtures was monitored using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption were used to characterize the obtained nanocomposites. The obtained results revealed that the nanocomposites are consisted of Cu-Cu2O nanospheres distributed among the graphene nanoplatelets. The study on the thermal effect of cyclic conductivity was done on Cu-Cu2O@GNP in the pure form, prepared in different copper loadings (5%, 10%, 20% and 30%). The dc conductivity for 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% of Cu-Cu2O@GNP composite was found 42.44 S cm−1, 44.053 S cm−1, 75.42 S cm−1 and 78.951 S cm−1, respectively measured by 4-in line–probe dc electrical conductivity measuring technique. This shows the metallic behavior as it increasing with the temperature and highest ratio of metal have high conductivity.