Fabrication, optical behavior and structural characteristics of the poly (4-chloroaniline)/silver nanoparticles materials for optical devices

Abstract

In this study, the flexible composite P(4-CAni)/AgNPs, which consists of poly 4-chloroaniline P(4-CAni) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), was successfully prepared using the polymerization preparation method. The results were confirmed by the transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD shows the successful fabrication of the composite and confirms that the pure P(4-CAni) has a typical pattern for the amorphous conducting polymer. The results of the TEM indicated the size of AgNPs in the range from 13 to 28 nm. In addition, the FTIR demonstrates that the AgNPs nanoparticles are uniformly interacted with the P(4-CAni). The wettability and adhesion work of the surface were determined by measuring the contact angle. Moreover, the band tail increased from 1.15 eV for the P(4-CAni) to 1.85 eV, 1.91 eV, and 1.96 eV when P(4-CAni) is mixed with 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% AgNPs, respectively. Also, adding 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% AgNPs decreases the band gap energy from 3.48 eV for the P(4-CAni) to 3.12 eV, 3.04 eV, and 2.90 eV, respectively. The interaction between P(4-CAni) and AgNPs enhances the structural properties of the composite, making the P(4-CAni)/AgNPs composite a multifunctional material suitable for various applications. The results demonstrate the fabricated nanocomposite materials exhibiting novel optical properties, which could lead to the use of these composites in optoelectronic devices.