Enhanced Dispersion of TiO2 Nanoparticles in a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Nanocomposite via Plasma-Liquid Interactions.

Yazi Liu,Wen-Feng Lin,Paul Maguire,Manuel Macias-Montero,Richao Zhang,Dan Sun,Sadegh Askari,Davide Mariotti,Somak Mitra,Jenish Patel

doi:10.1038/srep15765

Abstract

A facile method to synthesize a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposite material in aqueous solution through direct current (DC) plasma processing at atmospheric pressure and room temperature has been demonstrated. The dispersion of the TiO2 nanoparticles is enhanced and TiO2/polymer hybrid nanoparticles with a distinct core shell structure have been obtained. Increased electrical conductivity was observed for the plasma treated TiO2/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite. The improvement in nanocomposite properties is due to the enhanced dispersion and stability in liquid polymer of microplasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles. Both plasma induced surface charge and nanoparticle surface termination with specific plasma chemical species are proposed to provide an enhanced barrier to nanoparticle agglomeration and promote nanoparticle-polymer binding.

Highlights

A facile method to synthesize a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposite material in aqueous solution through direct current (DC) plasma processing at atmospheric pressure and room temperature has been demonstrated
We have demonstrated direct NP synthesis at atmospheric pressure using a non-thermal equilibrium plasma opening the possibilities of direct NP synthesis and delivery to polymer[14]
We report on the plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure and resulting characteristics of a ceramic NP–polymer composite comprised of TiO2 and PEDOT:PSS

Summary

Introduction

A facile method to synthesize a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposite material in aqueous solution through direct current (DC) plasma processing at atmospheric pressure and room temperature has been demonstrated. Hybrid nanocomposites have recently attracted considerable attention in high-value-added areas such as energy storage, optical sensors, biomedical material/devices[5,6] Their markedly enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity, optical and dielectric response as well as mechanical properties are mainly due to the interfacial “third phase” present between the particle and polymer matrix, enhanced by the high surface-to-volume ratio of NPs5. While in situ sequential NP synthesis followed by polymer coating has been demonstrated[13], the use of vacuum plasmas is known to cause difficulties in material collection and handling i.e. scraping from the deposition substrate To overcome this issue, we have demonstrated direct NP synthesis at atmospheric pressure using a non-thermal equilibrium (low temperature) plasma opening the possibilities of direct NP synthesis and delivery to polymer[14]. The NP dispersion was maintained for many months due to plasma-induced non-equilibrium reactions in the liquid that are as yet not fully elucidated and the subject of on-going investigation[15]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion