Synthesis of SnO2:rGO nanocomposites by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and change of the morphology, structural, optical and electrical properties

Abstract

Abstract The rGO based nanocomposites were produced via microwave hydrothermal method and their variation with SnO2 at different atomic ratios (10, 20, 30 and 40%) was investigated. The characterization of these samples were done by using the experimental analyses techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dielectric measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The adding of SnO2 at various amounts affects the dielectric, optical and thermal properties of the rGO, as well as the ac and dc conductivity. The crystallite sizes of the as-prepared samples are in the range of 3.42–3.70 nm. The addition of SnO2 cause the significant changes in the value of the activation energy. The characteristic peak of the rGO is shifted from 253 to 268 nm by increasing amount of SnO2. Additionally, the effects of SnO2 content on the thermal stability investigated from room temperature to 700 C, is detected.