Polyaniline–Graphene–Gold Nanocomposite for Visible Light Active Photo Catalysis and Enhanced Thermal Electrical Stability

Abstract

Polyaniline/graphene composite has been recognized as an excellent material for various photocatalytic, electrical and electronic applications. We have incorporated gold nanoparticles into polyaniline/graphene in order to enhance its visible light photocatalytic activity, electrical conductivity and thermal electrical stability at room temperature. Gold nanoparticles are known to absorb visible light efficiently. Graphene has been used as a conductive binding material for polyaniline and gold nanoparticle. A simple facile in situ oxidative chemical polymerization technique has been used to produce composite material. Additionally, structural and optical properties have also been investigated. TEM images clearly revealed that graphene and gold nanoparticles were well dispersed within the PANI matrix for better translation of its properties. Synthesized polyaniline/graphene/gold composite materials showed excellent visible light photocatalytic activity, enhanced electrical conductivity, and thermal electrical stability.