Nanocomposite of Polyaniline and ZnO: Preparation, Characterisation, Optical and Electrical Properties

Authors: S.M. Giripunje, Jyoti Ghushe

Abstract: ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by chemical method using starch as capping agent. Also the polyaniline-zinc oxide (PANI-ZnO) nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ polymerization of aniline monomer with ZnO nanomaterials. The structure and morphology of the ZnO nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction revealed the wurtzite structure of ZnO. Average particle size of the ZnO nanoparticles were also calculated from XRD. SEM micrographs showed the spherical shape of ZnO nanoparticles. Band gap energy of ZnO nanoparticles was determined from UV absorbance spectra and confirm quantum confinement. In UV-Vis spectra of PANI salt, two absorption peaks are observed at 320 and 630 nm. These absorption peaks arises due to excitation of the benzene segment including amine structures in polyaniline. A considerable large red shift at 360 nm from 320 nm has been observed for PANI-ZnO nanocomposites. This prominent red shift might occur due to the interaction between the hydroxyl groups of ZnO and the quinoid ring of emeraldine salt. Transport properties of PANI-ZnO nanocomposites were studied in terms of transport parameters such as DC electrical conductivity (σ), charge localization length (α-1), most probable hopping distance ® and hopping energy (w) using variable range hopping model as described by Ziller to conducting polymers.

Direct link: http://www.scientific.net/JNanoR.24.123