In-situ synthesis of polyaniline coated montmorillonite (Mt) clay using Fe+ 3 intercalated Mt as oxidizing agent

Abstract

Polyaniline (PAni) coated over montmorillonite clay (Mt) layers is reported through in-situ oxidative polymerization. A new approach of synthesis has been adopted in which oxidizing agent (FeCl3·6H2O) is first intercalated into organically modified montmorillonite clay (OMt) in THF solvent and this ferric ions intercalated clay layers are thereafter re-dispersed into aqueous solution of monomer for polymerization. Choice of THF and aqueous medium is governed by ease of intercalation of Fe+3 into OMt and subsequent diffusion of monomer into interlayer spaces during polymerization respectively. The intercalation of polymer within the interlayer spaces has been studied and confirmed using various techniques.