Preparation of anisotropic AgNWs/PVA/Ag2S nanocomposites via a vapor-phase sulfidation process

Abstract

This study used a modified polyol technique to synthesize silver nanowires (AgNWs), which were subsequently mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer and air-dried under ambient conditions. As a result, AgNWs/PVA nanocomposites with a concentration of 2% were prepared by a casting process. After that, the upper surface of the produced samples was treated with H₂S gas, as a result of which asymmetric structures were formed depending on the gas concentration, exposure time and penetration into the layers. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of these asymmetric structures were analyzed. Changes in the sample structure were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), their optical properties were studied using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Raman spectroscopy, and their morphology using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A simple technique involving H₂S gas was used for the sulfidation process of the samples, marking the first exposure of AgNW/PVA nanocomposites to such treatment. Examination of the structural and optical properties of the surfaces revealed clear differences in their physical properties after sulfidation. These obtained results were also supported by TEM images. Finally, the successful production of AgNWs/PVA/Ag₂S anisotropic structure was achieved by this method.