Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide and enhancement of its electrical and optical properties by attaching Ag nanoparticles

Graphene has attracted the attention of the scientists and researchers because of its peculiar properties. Because of various unique properties, graphene can be used in sensing device applications, solar cells and liquid crystal display devices etc. In this research paper, we present a chemical route towards bulk production of r-GO (reduced graphene oxide). We have employed a modified method to achieve better results which is often termed as modified Hummer's and Offeman method. It is modified in terms of filtration technique. We have also attached silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) to as synthesised r-GO. After successful growth, silver nanoparticles have been attached to r-GO by suitable treatment with AgNO3 (aq.) N/50 solution. The as grown samples were characterised by FESEM, Raman Spectroscopy and EDS to make sure that r-GO and r-GO Ag-NP have been successfully synthesised. The electrical and optical studies of the as grown samples were performed by dc conductivity measurements and DV visible spectroscopy. The conductivity was found to have increased with attachment of Ag-NP. The optical transmittance also improved to 90% as against 70% before Ag-NP attachment. The reduced graphene oxide attached with silver nanoparticles could find promising applications in synthesis of transparent electrode materials and optoelectronic devices. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.