One‐Step Fabrication of Multifunctional Chitosan/Polyindole–Silver Hybrid Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT One‐step polymerization of chitosan with conducting polymers offers a viable approach for fabricating multifunctional nanocomposites (NCs) with superior electrical, thermal, and biological performance for emerging technologies. In this study, chitosan/polyindole (CP) and their silver nanoparticle‐reinforced counterparts (CP/Ag) were successfully synthesized through in situ polymerization. Ultraviolet‐visible, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into the CP matrix, as evidenced by characteristic peak shifts and improved crystallinity. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy revealed well‐dispersed Ag within the CP matrix at 10 wt% loading, with an average particle size of 28.5 nm. Thermal analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability with increasing Ag content. Electrical and dielectric measurements showed significant improvements in conductivity and dielectric properties, reaching a maximum at 10 wt% Ag loading, followed by a slight decline attributed to nanoparticle agglomeration. Impedance spectroscopy showed a notable decrease in both real and imaginary components of impedance upon Ag incorporation, indicating enhanced charge carrier transport. Additionally, antibacterial studies against Escherichia coli revealed enhanced inhibition zones with increasing Ag concentration, confirming the strong antimicrobial activity of the CP NCs. Overall, the CP/Ag NCs exhibit excellent multifunctional properties, making them ideal for integration into energy storage and biomedical technologies.