The preparation, characterization, and properties of silver nanoparticle reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) nanocomposites

A simple approach was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticle reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) (Ag-r-RGO-PAMAM) nanocomposites. The structural changes of the nanocomposites with the PAMAM and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the performance was characterized with thermogravimetric and electrical conductivity instruments. The results indicate that the silver nanoparticles are well dispersed in fine size on the surface of the RGO-PAMAM composites, which results in an increase of at least 38% in thermostability and a certain enhancement in electrical conductivity. It is worth noting that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was approximately 5.88 S cm−1, which was higher than that of RGO-PAMAM, and increases with the rising content of silver nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the Ag-r-RGO-PAMAM nanocomposites still maintain a favorable dispersion in organic solvents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45172