Micro-Raman spectroscopy and effective conductivity studies of graphene nanoplatelets/polyaniline composites

The graphene, a monolayer of carbon atoms arranged in two dimensional lattices has attracted greater research interests due to its exceptional electrical and optical properties. The properties of conducting polymer can be tailored to a large extent with a suitable formation of nanocomposites using graphene material. In this paper we report on the preparation and characterization of transparent conductive graphene nanoplatelets/polyaniline (GNPs-PANI) composite coatings. The structural features of the nanocompositeswere investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and micro Raman analysis. FTIR spectra of GNP-PANI coating clearly reveal the presence of characteristic peaks of both PANI and GNP indicating the formation of a composite film. The micro Raman spectra reveal the presence of characteristic D and G modes of vibrations in composite film (GNP-PANI) with intensity of G mode greater than the D mode due to the composite formation. The optical Raman images confirm the uniform dispersion of GNP in PANI. The transport properties of the composite film were studied through AC/DC conductivity measurement, dielectric behavior is analyzed with respect to dielectric constant, loss tangent, and Cole-Cole plots characteristics. The study of transport properties of the composite film reveals that the presence of GNPin the PANI significantly tailors the electrical properties of pure PANI. Due to its transparent nature and excellent electrical properties, these GNP-PANI nanocomposites can find wide technological applications in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.