Exploring different routes for the synthesis of 2D MoS2/1D PANI nanocomposites and investigating their electrical properties

Abstract

In this work, we report three different routes for the synthesis of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 )/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites . MoS 2 powder was synthesized using hydrothermal technique and PANI was prepared by in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline, separately. Hydrothermal and in-situ polymerization processes were also used for the synthesis of composites. The synthesized samples were characterized using FESEM, XRD, Raman, FTIR, UV–Vis. spectroscopy , and Hall effect . FESEM images revealed that the hydrothermally synthesized MoS 2 powder has composed of flower-like microspheres constructed with 2D nanosheets and PANI has 1D nanofiber morphology, and in all three synthesized composites, MoS 2 and PANI keep their morphology. All characterizations confirmed the formation of a combination of MoS 2 nanosheets and PANI nanofibers. FTIR, Raman, and XRD analysis showed that characteristic peaks of 1T/2H–MoS 2 and PANI are present in nanocomposite samples. The bandgap reduction of the synthesized nanocomposites as low as 1.32 eV compared to PANI bandgap (1.57 eV) suggests electronic interactions between MoS 2 nanosheets and PANI nanofibers. The electrical conduction mechanism of prepared nanocomposites was investigated using the Hall effect and discussed. The highest conductivity and carrier mobility values for nanocomposites were recorded to be about 4.69 (Ω-cm) −1 and (0.449 cm 2 V −1 s −1 ), respectively, which makes them suitable for electronic applications. • Three different routes were developed for optimizing the synthesis of MoS 2 /PANI nanocomposites for electronic applications. • The optical, electrical, and structural properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were investigated using different characterization methods. • The synergy between 2D-MoS 2 and 1D-PANI in the nanocomposite makes it a promising candidate for optoelectronic and catalytic applications.