Structural, optical, and thermal investigation of SnO2 nanoparticles incorporated PANI nanofibers as an emissive layer material

Abstract

Nowadays, polyaniline (PANI) based nanocomposites have emerged as a boon that has opened a new door for researchers working in a wide range of applications, including optoelectronic devices, electrochromic devices, batteries, medicinal materials, and imaging devices. Pure PANI and PANI/SnO2 nanocomposites were synthesized via chemical oxidative polymerization using FeCl3 as an oxidative agent. FESEM analysis reveals a spherical aggregated structure of SnO2 nanoparticles on the surface of PANI nanofibers. Particle sizes of 15% PS nanocomposite are estimated to be 12–23 nm through HR-TEM. XPS has been employed to find out the chemical oxidation states of the optimized nanocomposites. Direct optical band gaps and optical conductivities of nanocomposites were calculated via Tauc's plot method through UV–Visible spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric study shows the thermal stability is enhanced for the 15% PS nanocomposite. The PL intensity of the PANI can be tuned by varying the concentrations of SnO2 nanoparticles. The highest PL intensity is observed for 15% PS nanocomposite. Color purity is estimated at ∼91.6% for blue emission color. Enhanced PL intensity and thermal stability are insisted that 15% PS nanocomposite might be used as an emissive material in polymer-based blue light-emitting diodes application.