  Polyaniline and graphene nanoplatelets (PANI-GNP) nanocomposites are
synthesized by in situ oxidative polymerization of polyaniline using an
oxidizing agent, ammonium peroxy disulphate (APS). The mass of GNP in the
nanocomposites varied by 5, 10, and 15 wt% compared to PANI. The synthesized
polyaniline coated graphene nanoplatelets (PANI-GNP) nanocomposites are
chemically characterized and using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
(FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis
spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). FTIR and Raman spectroscopy
analysis confirmed the uniform coating of polyaniline on GNP. The SEM
micrograph and XRD pattern demonstrate the polymerization quality and
crystallization degree of samples. UV-Vis analysis showed a decrease in the
bandgap of polyaniline, which confirms that nanocomposites are more suitable
for optoelectronic application because of variation in the bandgap. TGA
analysis showed the thermal stability of PANI is increased with the increased
mass of GNP. This study suggests the potential of GNP as a filler for efficient
modification in the morphological, electrical, optical, and thermal properties
of PANI.
