Morphological, electrical and dielectric characteristics of chromogenic calix[4]arene amide/SWCNT nanocomposite films for device applications

Abstract

This study focuses on the morphological, electrical and dielectric properties of chromogenic calix[4]arene amide combined with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs). The effects of SWCNTs addition on the performance of the formed nanocomposite material were studied. After the dispersion process, the spin-coated nanocomposite thin films were prepared over indium tin oxide-coated glass substrates. Using scanning electron microscopy, morphological features and surface roughness were examined before and after SWCNTs loading on the chromogenic calix[4]arene amide. In addition, the charge carrier transport properties and conduction mechanism of the chromogenic calix[4]arene amide/SWCNT thin films have been studied by using current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and dielectric spectroscopy technique. The experimental results have shown a significantly enhancement of conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposite thin film with increasing SWCNTs reinforcement. Experimental results were theoretically fitted corresponding to an equivalent circuit aiming to reveal dielectric parameters of the nanocomposite devices. Finally, these prepared nanocomposite films have potential applications in nanoelectronic and sensing devices.