The Current-Voltage Properties of Ch/AgNP Composite Membranes: A Study on the Effect of AgNP Content

In this study, we report the properties of current-voltage (I-V) of Ch/AgNP (chitosan/silver nanoparticles) composite membranes with emphasis on the effect of the content of AgNP. Composite membranes were made by a casting method using chitosan as matrix, 1% acetic acid as solvent and AgNP as filler. The content of AgNP added was 10, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 μg. The I-V measurements were conducted using a two-compartment cell, which contains two working electrodes and two Ag/AgCl reference electrodes. The electrolyte solutions used were KCl and CaCl2 with a concentration of 0.025 M. All measurements were done at room temperature of ± 28 °C. Also, it has been conducted FTIR analysis. The results showed that the absorbance peak of the -OH group in composite membranes are sharper compared with Ch membrane and also it has been observed peaks of Ag-O metal oxide at around 671 and 507 cm-1. The I-V curve of the composite membranes in the range 0.66-0.98 mA is ohmic. The conductance of the composite membranes is smaller than that of Ch membranes, it decreased as increased the content of AgNP added, and it is greater in the KCl solution than in CaCl2 solution.