Cu nanoparticle anchored highly conducting, reusable multifunctional rGO/PANI nanocomposite: A novel material for methanol sensor and a catalyst for click reaction

A novel composite consisting of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) incorporated with polyaniline (PANI) and copper (Cu) nanoparticle has been synthesized through a straightforward interfacial polymerization method. This novel composite exhibits a dual functionality, demonstrating exceptional proficiency as both a methanol sensor and a highly efficient catalyst for click reactions. The remarkable success of this composite can be attributed to the pivotal role of PANI, which acts as a conductive matrix, fostering strong adhesion between copper nanoparticles and rGO sheets. This synergy significantly enhances the surface conductivity of the composite, making it an ideal candidate for various applications. The rGO/PANI/Cu nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Notably, our methanol sensor displayed an impressive maximum sensitivity of 64.22% at a methanol concentration of 500 ppm. Furthermore, this sensor exhibited rapid response and recovery times of 30 s and 45 s, respectively, highlighting its effectiveness as a methanol gas sensor at room temperature. Upon exposure to methanol vapors under ambient conditions using a custom laboratory-made setup, the sensor consistently maintained its outstanding sensitivity at 500 ppm methanol. Additionally, the rGO/PANI/Cu composite demonstrated exceptional performance as a heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted-1H-1,2,3-triazoles through a click chemistry approach, underlining its versatility and potential for a wide array of applications.