One-pot Synthesis of Polydopamine/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Germanium Complex and Improvement in Electrical Properties of Nanocomposite

Polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide/germanium conductive complex was synthesized by forming germanium crystals uniformly on the surface of the reduced graphene oxide having high electric conductivity and surface area using polydopamine of nature-inspired adhesion and coating characteristics. The conductive complex was synthesized by a novel one-pot process in the mild condition of room temperature and normal pressure instead of using pre-established high cost and harsh conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and sintering. The conductive complex showed the morphological characteristics of anchoring of uniformly dispersed germanium crystals on the surface of reduced graphene oxide coated with polydopamine. The nanocomposite of poly(vinyl alcohol) and polydopamine/graphene oxide/germanium complex showed much improved electrical properties owing to the electrical and morphological features of the conductive complex.