Single step synthesis of a ‘silver–polymer hybrid material’ and its catalytic application

Abstract

Conjugated polymer stabilized silver nanoparticles have been synthesized using an in situ polymerization and composite formation (IPCF) method. The optical property of the composite material was studied employing FTIR, UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The electron microscopic image showed silver nanoparticles within the size range of 7–12 nm are uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix. The as-prepared metal–polymer nanocomposites exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenolote ions. The polymer based composite material also possesses electro-sensing activity towards the enzyme-free detection of hydrogen peroxide in a very efficient and sensitive pathway.