Optimization of graphene oxide/conducting polymer nanocomposites as electrodes for nonenzymatic glucose sensing. Part I: Preparation, characterization and surface morphology

In this study, we Prepared a new composite of graphene oxide (GO), polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) that can be used for non-enzymatic glucose sensing. Graphene oxide was prepared using modified Hammer’s method and PANI was prepared using Chemical oxidative method. PANI:PSS/GO and PANI:PSS/GO/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites were synthesized by physical mixing at room temperature. Characterization was carried out using several analytical techniques to ensure the correct preparation and study the structure of the prepared nanocomposites and its individual components. Raman spectroscopy showed successful preparation of (GO) with high D:G ratio. XRD spectroscopy confirmed the interlayer spacing of graphene oxide increased by 26.9% and 34.6% respectively for both composites allowing the polymer to diffuse in-between the graphene layers and enhance its conductivity. EDX illustrated the chemical composition of nanocomposites with the atomic percentage. The surface morphology was also investigated using SEM and HRTEM proved the formation of homogenous surface due of the nanocomposites. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) proved the reduction in surface roughness by 17.5% and 20.7% of PANI:PSS/GO and PANI:PSS/GO/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite respectively.