Influence of preparation method on the structure, morphology, and conducting property of poly(m‐aminophenol)/silver nanocomposite

Abstract

The aim is to create a nanocomposite with well‐defined morphology having enhanced electronic characteristics, suitable for a diverse range of applications including sensors, supercapacitors, and electrode materials, among others. A composite consisting of the functional conjugated polymer, such as poly(m‐aminophenol), combined with silver nanoparticles, can be fabricated by meticulously regulating its structure, morphology, and properties. In the current research, three different morphologies, viz., nanoparticles distributed, nanofibrous, and core–shell were obtained following three different methods of preparation. The nanocomposite with a uniform distribution of 5.15 wt% small silver nanoparticles exhibited the highest average DC conductivity of 1.3 × 10−4 S cm−1. However, the nanofibrous composite with 2.79 wt% silver loading and core–shell nanocomposite with 5.59 wt% silver loading were found to have poor conductivities in order of 10−7 S cm−1. The electronic conduction of the nanocomposites prepared in three different methods was correlated with the structural features of the polymer matrix and the interfacial interaction between the components. This suggests that the nanocomposites with uniform distribution of small silver nanoparticles hold high potential as electronic material for a wide range of applications.Highlights Optimization of preparation of poly(m‐aminophenol)/silver nanocomposite. Investigation of structure and morphologies of the composites. Morphologies—nanocomposites, nanofiber composite, and core–shell composite. Highest average DC‐conductivity of nanocomposite obtained as 1.3 × 10−4 S cm−1. Conductivity in order of 10−7 S cm−1 was observed for the other two nanocomposites.