Abstract
The synthesis of graphene-based nanocomposites using wet chemical techniques entails a number of time-consuming and laborious synthesis stages in addition to the use of potentially dangerous substances. The present article provides a novel approach to green and in-situ synthesis that employs no hazardous chemicals and synthesizes graphene and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) nanocomposite from the tea tree oil and silver nitrate (AgNO3) vapours. The synthesis happens in a matter of seconds in microwave plasma at ambient conditions. Images from the scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that graphene nanosheets act as the most favoured sites for the Ag NPs to anchor and form a nanocomposite. The investigations revealed a correlation between the concentration of AgNO3 in the precursor and the size and aggregation of Ag NPs. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated a negative shifting of the Ag-doublet, which suggested a strong interaction between Ag NPs and graphene. Additionally, the graphene-Ag nanocomposite drop-casted on screen-printed electrode demonstrated good electrochemical sensing capability for methyl paraben, with a superior linear range of 20 to 260 µM and a commendable limit of detection of 2.5 µM.
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