Structural and electrical behaviours of PEDOT:PSS thin films in presence of negatively charged gold and silver nanoparticles: A green synthesis approach

Abstract

Negatively charged gold and silver nanoparticles are prepared using the dry leaf of Annona reticulata and are used to prepare thin films of PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites. Significant changes in structure, morphology and electrical behaviours of nanocomposite thin films are observed depending upon the type and concentration of nanoparticles. The composite nature of the films are evidenced from the X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, while the surface morphology and film thickness are obtained from the analysis of atomic force microscopy. The in-plane DC conductivity of the composite films is enhanced by a moderate value with increase in nanoparticle concentration. Electrical responses obtained from the impedance spectroscopy over a broad frequency range show that both the real and imaginary parts of the impedance vary as a function of nanoparticles concentration and applied frequency. Structural changes after composite formation and the corresponding modifications in electrical behaviors are explained.