Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite Hybrid with Graphene

Abstract

In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite was prepared and hybrid with Graphene (Gr) by casting method. The morphological and optical properties were investigated. Fourier Transformer-Infrared (FT-IR) indicates the presence of primary distinctive peaks belonging to vibration groups that describe the prepared samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images showed a uniform dispersion of graphene within the PVP-MWCNT nanocomposite. The results of the optical study show decrease in the energy gap with increasing MWCNT and graphene concentration. The absorption coefficient spectra indicate the presence of two absorption peaks at 282 and 287 nm attributed to the π-π* electronic transition which is found in MWCNT and Gr. The energy gap (E_g) has been obtained from the indirect allowed transition. It was found that, E_g decrease with the addition of MWCNTs and Gr content.