Synthesis of core‐shell silver–polyaniline nanocomposites by gamma radiolysis method

Core‐shell silver (Ag)–polyaniline (PAni) nanocomposites have been synthesized by the in‐situ gamma radiation‐induced chemical polymerization method. Aqueous solution of aniline, a free‐radical oxidant, and/or silver metal salt were irradiated by γ‐rays. Reduction of the silver salt in aqueous aniline leads to the formation of silver nanoparticles which in turn catalyze oxidation of aniline to polyaniline. The resultant Ag‐PAni nanocomposites were characterized by using different spectroscopy analyses like X‐ray photoelectron, UV–visible, and infrared spectroscopy. The optical absorption bands revealed that the bands at about 400 nm are due to the presence of nanosilver and the blue‐shifted peak at ∼ 555 nm is due to the presence of metallic silver within the PAni matrix. X‐ray diffraction pattern clearly indicates the broad amorphous polymer and the sharp metal peaks. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of the nanocomposite showed a uniform size distribution with spherical and granular morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the composites have a higher degradation temperature than polyaniline alone.