Novel synthesis and study of nonlinear absorption and surface-enhanced Raman scattering of carbon nanotubes decorated with silver nanoparticles

•Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) hybrid is synthesised by a new simple method.•TEM analysis show that Ag NPs are well attached onto the MWCNTs.•The surface enhanced Raman scattering enhancement depends on the reaction temperature, size, and concentration of Ag NPs.•The nonlinear absorption exhibits reverse saturable absorption (RSA) behaviour due to the two-photon absorption and excited state absorption process. [Display omitted] We introduce a simple and eco-friendly synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with silver nanoparticles as a MWCNT-Ag hybrid. A solution is made of MWCNTs and AgNO3 in polyethylene glycol, where the silver nitrate gets reduced into AgNPs in the presence of MWCNTs. We have studied the effect of concentration and temperature on the hybrid nanostructure formation. Formation of MWCNT-Ag composite was confirmed through UV–Vis, transmission electron microscope images, and the Raman studies. The nonlinear optical properties of the hybrids were examined using Z-scan technique using the second harmonic at 532 nm of Nd:YAG laser operated at 10 Hz and pulse duration of 6 ns. The experimental results also revealed that surface enhanced Raman scattering enhancement depends on the temperature during synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles, size, and concentration of AgNPs. The nonlinear absorption exhibits reverse saturable absorption behaviour due to the excited state absorption process.