Nanocomposites of Carbon Nanotube/Polyaniline with Pending Calix[8]Arene and their External Stimuli Response Properties

Abstract

To functionalize the smart nanocomposites, the nanocomposites of CNTs/polyaniline with pending calix [8] arene were prepared. A series of characterizations were performed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra, The UV-Vis (Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy), et al. The photoconductivity response to visible light and 808 nm laser with low-power were studied based on interdigital electrodes of Au on flexible PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film substrate with casting method. The results showed that the nanocomposites of CNTs/polyaniline with pending calix [8] arene exhibited good photoresponse to visible light and weak 808 nm laser, but its recoverability was very slow, it needed several hours, and the film-forming property of nanocomposite was not very good. This may be attributed to the results of increased hydrophobicity of nanocomposite because of introducing the calix [8] arene ring. In order to increase the film-forming technology of nanocomposites, the grapheme oxide were obtained with unzipping method of carbon nanotube (CNTs) for enhancing the hydrophilcity of carbon nanomaterials. The nanocomposites of grapheme oxide/polyaniline with pending calix [8] arene were obtained with similar methods, which showed improved film-forming property. The photoresponses to weak visible light and 808 nm laser also showed the similar results. It may develop the nanocomposite with external stimuli response, and have good potential applications in sensors, organic photocatalyst, et al.