Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by a rapid, simple, and economic microwave assisted synthetic route using aqueous spent black tea leaves extract and silver nitrate solution. The exfoliated graphite (EG) was rapidly and efficiently prepared from natural graphite using domestic microwave oven. Natural graphite powder was hand mixed with KMnO4 and HNO3 at a weight ratio of 1:1:2 for 5 min to produce graphite intercalation compound (GIC).The GIC was then washed and dried at 110 °C for 6 hrs. The Exfoliated graphite (EG) was prepared by rapid heating of graphite intercalation compound (GIC) in a domestic microwave oven at power of 540 and 700 W for 60sec. Silver nanoparticles was then loaded on the exfoliated graphite to obtain exfoliated graphite decorated with silver nanoparticles nanocomposite (EG/AgNPs). The prepared materials were characterized by ultraviolet−visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared EG/AgNPs nanocomposites showed uniform dispersion of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of expanded graphite with little agglomeration.