Reduced graphene oxide wrapped V2O5 nanoparticles: green synthesis and electrical properties

In this study, Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) -graphene composite (VRGO) is prepared by simple hydrothermal treatment. V2O5 nanoparticles are prepared by solvothermal method using environmentally benign precursor, vanadium oxide acetyl acetonate. Graphene oxide (GO) prepared by modified Hummer’s method is the origin for graphene in prepared composite. GO is wrapped onto V2O5 nanoparticles then subsequently reduced to graphene using simple heat treatment, thus avoiding the use of harmful reducing agents. This composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction for the structural analysis, scanning electron microscopy to identify the morphology, confocal Raman microscopy and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy for molecular structure and chemical bonds present in the composite. The BET surface area analyzer is used for surface area analysis and impedance analyzer for electrical studies. Impedance analysis carried out at room temperature shows a considerable decrease in the resistance of prepared composite VRGO, in comparison to bare V2O5 thus providing a good conductivity for the sample.