Tuning the energy storage performance of graphene oxide-based nanocomposite films by encapsulating silver nanoparticles

Abstract

In the current designed study, we explore the dielectric and energy storage performance of silver nanoparticle decorated graphene oxide nanocomposites incorporated into chitosan blended with poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) in comparison with only graphene oxide nanocomposite doped into the same blend matrix. A sustainable and eco-friendly green route approach was used to form the silver nanoparticle decorated graphene oxide nanocomposites. The nanocomposite films so fabricated using the solvent evaporation method, were subjected to various characterisation techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, surface morphology and impedance spectroscopy. Slight decrease in crystallinity (44.3 %), difference in the positioning of infrared bands, thermal stability (up to ∼77 °C) and evenly distributed morphology depict the advantage of silver coating over graphene oxide nanoparticles in the blended nanocomposite films. A boost in the dielectric properties and energy storage ability was displayed by the silver encapsulated graphene oxide reinforced nanocomposite blend films. The dielectric properties were examined by using a Nyquist plot (Bulk resistance - 1.01 × 104 Ω). An ionic conductivity of 1.044 × 10−4 S/cm and a DC conductivity of 1.196 × 10‐−4 S/cm was observed. Of note, it can be inferred that silver nanoparticle decorated graphene oxide nanocomposites impart tremendous electrical properties to the chitosan/poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinylacetate) films, enabling them to be used in energy storage applications.