Spectral and thermal studies on polyaniline–titanium dioxide nanocomposites by inverted emulsion techniques

Abstract

Inverted emulsion polymerization technique using benzoyl peroxide, as an initiator, was used to prepare conducting polyaniline (PANI)/nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) composites. Polyaniline ratio was varied between 10 and 90% based on the yield percentage. The prepared nanocomposites were analyzed further by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and four probe conductivity. The FTIR spectrum of pure PANI and its composites with nano-TiO2 shows the vibrational bands due to benzenoid, quinoid ring stretching etc. Conductivity of pure polyaniline was observed to be 1.6 S cm−1 and upon the addition of nano-TiO2 the conductivity decreases. X-ray diffraction of PANI–nano TiO2 composites reveals that the crystalline nature of TiO2 is retained. TGA thermogram of nanocomposites monitored the thermal stability of pure PANI which improved by the addition of TiO2 in different ratios. SEM image reveal that nano-TiO2 particles are uniformly distributed in the PANI matrix.