Improved mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of chitosan films with the synergistic reinforcing effect of carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide for potential optoelectronic applications

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and a mixture of the (CNT-rGO) on the structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of low (CSL), medium (MCS) and high-molecular (HCS) weight chitosan. The formed films' structure and physical properties were analyzed using swelling, X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing, and SEM micrographs. The 4-Probe technique showed that chitosan electrical conductivity was improved by six orders of magnitude strongly influenced by the CNT addition. The photoluminescence (PL) studies showed that rGO addition induces a non-radiative process in composites and decreases the PL intensity by nearly 43%. The CNTs in CSL and the mixture in CSL present the best electrical, optical, and swelling degree properties. The composites properties and ease of preparation of the films reported in this work make them suitable for optoelectronic applications due to their electrical conductivity and PL values.