The impact of silver nanoclay functionalisation on optical and electrochemical properties

Three different fractions of nanoclay (nanomer 1.44P) were functionalised with Ag forming silver nanoclay composites (Ag/nanomer 1.44P). The optical and electrochemical properties of the functionalised nanoclay were studied. Optical, morphology, and electrochemical techniques were used for the characterisation of the synthesised Ag/nanomer 1.44P nanocly composites. The presence and the absence of functional groups observed in the FTIR spectrum of Ag/nanomer 1.44P, compared with those found in the spectra of silver and pure nanomer 1.44P prove that a reaction occurred, thus a successful functionalisation of nanomer 1.44P nanoclay with silver. The XRD data of all composites showed four diffraction peaks within the silver spectrum range, with the intensity of silver decreasing with increasing concentration of nanomer 1.44P. SEM represented well-dispersed particles of different shapes with average particle sizes of 2.5, 27.5, and 5 nm with the enhanced concentration of nanomer 1.44P nanoclay. The decrease in diffusion coefficient values from 4.26 x 10(-10), 2.50 x 10(-13) , 1.40 x 10(-13) cm(2) s(-1) and electron transfer rates of 1.50 x 10(-5), 3.94 x 10(-7), 2.86 x 10(-7) cm s(-1) are respectively proportional to an increase in nanomer 1.44P concentration depicting changes in nanocomposites sizes.

Automated summary

This study investigated the functionalisation of three fractions of nanoclay (nanomer 1.44P) with silver (Ag), resulting in the formation of silver nanoclay composites (Ag/nanomer 1.44P). The optical and electrochemical properties of the functionalised nanoclay were examined, and various characterisation techniques, including optical, morphology, and electrochemical methods, were employed. The presence of functional groups in the FTIR spectrum of Ag/nanomer 1.44P, compared to silver and pure nanomer 1.44P, indicated a successful reaction and functionalisation of nanomer 1.44P with silver. XRD data showed diffraction peaks within the silver spectrum range, with decreasing intensity as the concentration of nanomer 1.44P increased. SEM images revealed well-dispersed particles of different shapes, with average sizes ranging from 2.5 nm to 27.5 nm, depending on the concentration of nanomer 1.44P. The decrease in diffusion coefficient values and electron transfer rates with increasing nanomer 1.44P concentration indicated changes in nanocomposite sizes.