Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites Research Articles

MXene-Vitrimer Nanocomposites: Photo-Thermal Repair, Reinforcement, and Conductivity at Low Volume Fractions Through a Percolative Voronoi-Inspired Microstructure.

An innovative process to multifunctional vitrimer nanocomposites with a percolative MXene minor phase is reported, marking a significant advancement in creating stimuli-repairable, reinforced, sustainable, and conductive nanocomposites at diminished loadings. This achievement arises from a Voronoi-inspired biphasic morphological design via a straight-forward three-step process involving ambient-condition precipitation polymerization of micron-sized prepolymer powders, aqueous powder-coating with 2D MXene (Ti3C2Tz), and melt-pressing of MXene-coated powders into crosslinked films. Due to the formation of MXene-rich boundaries between thiourethane vitrimer domains in a pervasive low-volume fraction conductive network, a low percolation threshold (≈0.19vol.%) and conductive polymeric nanocomposites (≈350 Sm-1) are achieved. The embedded MXene skeleton mechanically bolsters the vitrimer at intermediate loadings, enhancing the modulus and toughness by 300% and 50%, respectively, without mechanical detriment compared to the neat vitrimer. The vitrimer's dynamic-covalent bonds and MXene's photo-thermal conversion properties enable repair in minutes through short-term thermal treatments for full macroscopic mechanical restoration or in seconds under 785nm light for rapid localized surface repair. This versatile fabrication method to nanocoated pre-vitrimer powders and morphologically complex nanocomposites is compatible with classic composite manufacturing, and when coupled with the material's exceptional properties, holds immense potential for revolutionizing advanced composites and inspiring next-generation smart materials.

Development of Flexible Hydrophobic Polypropylene/SPCB/GNP Hybrid Nanocomposite Films With Excellent EMI Shielding and Mechanical Properties

ABSTRACTThe demand for effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials has driven the development of novel and facile approach for fabrication of conductive polymer nanocomposites. In this study, a polypropylene (PP)‐based hybrid nanocomposite was prepared by incorporating Super P conductive carbon black (SPCB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) via latex technology. A simplistic method of fabrication was adopted where the nanofillers were stirred into the PP latex at room temperature, ensuring the proper dispersion of fillers within the matrix. Hybridizing the nanocomposite by the usage of two different fillers has resulted in a substantial improvement in EMI shielding performance of the material along with its mechanical and thermal properties. The samples were fabricated and tested in three different thicknesses to ensure that EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) is a thickness dependent property and also the studies were carried out over a broad range of microwave frequency. A high electrical conductivity of 7.6 S m−1 was obtained and exceptional EMI SE of 65 dB (X band), 69.76 dB (Ku band), and 72.38 dB (K band) was showcased by 2 mm thickness composites. The optical images of PP latex incorporated with the fillers gave a clear understanding about the formation of conducting networks within the polymer matrix at percolation threshold. The addition of SPCB and GNP also showed a significant increase in hardness and tensile strength of the composite and helped in protecting the polymer matrix against photo radiation. The fillers also aided in the enhancement of the hydrophobicity of the films. The thermal stability, crystallization temperature (TC) and melting temperature (TM) of the composites were also improved when compared to that of neat The works aims at fabricating a hydrophobic and low‐density polymer nanocomposite showing excellent absorption dominant EMI SE.

Aggregation/agglomeration dependent percolation threshold of spherical nanoparticles in electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites

AbstractThis study evaluated the percolation threshold in polymer nanocomposites and its dependence on the aggregation/agglomeration phenomenon. The main objective of the investigation was to propose a particular method that besides revealing the impact of different involved parameters on the percolation threshold could also provide useful information regarding the system characteristics. In line with that, a specific geometrical structure was employed to represent the clusters and assess the variation of the percolation threshold and characteristics of the polymer/particle interphase region. The findings were applied in an improved form of the percolation theory to perform validation against the related experimental data. Improvement was conducted by involving the impact of the newly estimated percolation threshold, aggregations/agglomerations, interphase region, and so forth. Also, specific theories were employed to define the electrical conductivity of the nanoparticle clusters and interphase region. The results showed that the percolation threshold is directly affected by the content of the nanoparticles and the characteristics of the aggregates/agglomerates. Besides, it was revealed that parameters, such as the size of nanoparticles, physical characteristics of the polymer matrix and interphase region, dispersion quality, etc. may substantially affect the percolation threshold and subsequently other physical properties of the system, such as electrical conductivity.Highlights A structural approach toward understanding the percolation phenomenon. Defining the particular dependence of percolation threshold on dispersion quality. Estimating the content of aggregates/agglomerates using percolation theory. Improving the percolation theory to predict the electrical conductivity. Applying the scaling theory to define the electrical conductivity of the interphase.

Improved aggregation/agglomeration-dependent percolation theory to predict nanoparticle-aided electrical conductivity in polymer nanocomposites: A combination of analytical strategy and artificial neural network

The formation of aggregates/agglomerates in polymer nanocomposites is known as an inevitable phenomenon that may affect many physical/mechanical properties. Accordingly, in this study, the impacts of the size and content of nanoparticle clusters on the electrical conductivity of polymer matrices containing spherical nanoparticles were analytically evaluated. To this end, the well-known percolation theory was improved by involving major system parameters, affected by aggregation/agglomeration, reported to be indicative of how electricity may conduct through (e. g. tunneling effect, percolation threshold, content and equivalent electrical conductivity of nanoparticle domains, etc.). The characteristics of the aggregates/agglomerates were estimated via the combination of a devised strategy, representing the structure of clusters, and the fundamentals of the percolation theory. The average electrical conductivity and density of polymer/particle interphase, formed around nanoparticle domains were calculated using a particularly developed scaling theory. Also, the hypothetical relative location of nanoparticle domains to each other was defined by calculating the average nearest distance between them, benchmarked against the tunneling distance. A two-stage validation procedure was conducted using the data elicited from the literature in order to first, evaluate the model efficiency and secondly, assess its predictive capabilities with the aid of an artificial neural network (error < 7 %).

Synthesis of polymeric carbon-based nanocomposites for electromagnetic shielding

In artificial intelligent retrieval, the evolution of smart electronic devices and wireless communication is a source of electromagnetic pollution (EMP), which is a severe global concern. Nowadays, conductive polymeric nanocomposites are exceptionally desirable for electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) applications due to their good conductive and unique shielding properties. The aim of the present work is to study the EMI shielding effectiveness of thin films. For this purpose, we have synthesized PVA-based nanocomposite films. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and iron oxide nanoparticles were used as nanofillers. Nanoparticles of iron oxide were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, whereas rGO was synthesized by modified Hummer’s method. XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, (RBS), Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, Current–Voltage (IV) measurements and Impedance spectroscopy were used for the characterization of nanocomposites, 3.5 dB, for iron oxide/PVA thin films at 12 GHz frequency range. rGO/PVA thin films with 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 wt% were 4.2, 8.2 and 12.3 dB, respectively, at 12 GHz range. Such shielding materials have useful applications in military field and radar systems. These shielding films can be used to protect the electronic instruments from the light waves striking them. Its use also limits health hazards to the people living in extremely radiative environments.

Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience on the Design of Conductive Biopolymeric Nanocomposites for Enhanced Microbial Fuel Cells Performance

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as renewable energy sources due to their intrinsic properties to directly convert organic substrates into electrical energy. However, sub-optimal power density, limited long-term stability, and high operational costs have stunted integration at the industrial scale. These systems function through the exploitation of catalytic events of microbes under anaerobic conditions. The bacterial interactions at the electrode interface and associated electron transfer mechanisms directly impact fuel cell performance. The prominent issue is the formation of non-productive biofilms at the anode. This work focuses on the strategic design of a conductive polysaccharide-based (i.e., cellulose, agar, alginate, pectin) nanocomposite material to increase productive interactions at the anode-microbe interface. Results have shown that upon exposure to E. coli, the conducting polymer nanocomposite demonstrates enhanced current flow. Furthermore, the electrode surface was modified via non-covalent linkages of organic fuels, such as glucose, with TiO2 nanoparticles to decrease bacteria-substrate repulsions. The sugar-functionalized nanoparticle electrodes also exhibited an increased electrical response with enhanced photochemical activity. This phenomenon was observed through decreased fluorescence intensity without a decrease in cell viability and open circuit potential in the presence of light. Lastly, the “blurred” disciplinary boundaries were exploited as a model for developing an active Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). This experience emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary problem-solving, experimental design, and the development of essential critical thinking skills.

Strategic Design of Conductive Biopolymer Surface Coatings for Sensing and Remediation Applications

Advancement in the utility of conductive polysaccharide-based (i.e., agar, alginate, pectin, cellulose) composite materials for charge transfer applications requires effective surface functionalization and dopant matching to overcome limitations in electron transfer in these dielectric materials. A promising approach is the design of a biomimetic nanocomposite material, coupled with Fe-carboxyl coordination chemistry to photoinitiate the radical polymerization of polyaniline (PANI) in a uniform manner throughout a templated polymer matrix. Results have shown the feasibility of establishing a responsive carbon-based sensor, capable of modulating charge transfer performance in the presence of differing dopants (i.e., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, polyelectrolyte). The aim of this work is to expand upon previous findings by unraveling the dopant-specific charge transport mechanisms as they relate to the polarizability and mobility of the dopant. Additionally, a network-level understanding of how changing the identity of the polymer backbone and the conductive polymer (i.e., aniline, pyrrole, thiophene) alters the charge transfer efficiency and overall stability of the conductive matrix. Current-voltage (I-V) sweeps reveal that these n-doped conductive polymer nanocomposites show enhanced current flow and reduced internal resistance compared to non-functionalized controls. Lastly, once the network reached an equilibrated state, the addition of a model contaminant (mucin) showed a decrease in the potential; however, upon an applied voltage, the contaminant was removed, and the system recovered to its original state. Alternatively, the network was also evaluated for the remediation of model pollutants. Results show that upon an applied voltage in simulated textile wastewater, there was a 10% degradation of methylene blue within 1 hour. Thus, the backbone/dopant/conducting polymer relationship is critical to achieving optimal performance with various applications.

Efficient nitrite determination by electrochemical approach in liquid phase with ultrasonically prepared gold-nanoparticle-conjugated conducting polymer nanocomposites.

An electrochemical nitrite sensor probe is introduced herein using a modified flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and SrTiO3 material doped with spherical-shaped gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) and polypyrrole carbon (PPyC) at a pH of 7.0 in a phosphate buffer solution. The nanocomposites (NCs) containing Au-NPs, PPyC, and SrTiO3 were synthesized by ultrasonication, and their properties were thoroughly characterized through structural, elemental, optical, and morphological analyses with various conventional spectroscopic methods, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The peak currents due to nitrite oxidation were characterized in detail and analyzed using conventional cyclic voltammetry (CV) as well as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) under ambient conditions. The sensor response increased significantly from 0.15 to 1.5mM of nitrite ions, and the sensor was fabricated by coating a conducting agent (PEDOT:PSS) on the GCE to obtain the Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NCs/PEDOT:PSS/GCE probe. The sensor's sensitivity was determined as 0.5μA/μM∙cm2 from the ratio of the slope of the linear detection range by considering the active surface area (0.0316cm2) of the flat GCE. In addition, the limit of detection was determined as 20.00 ± 1.00 µM, which was found to be satisfactory. The sensor's stability, pH optimization, and reliability were also evaluated in these analyses. Overall, the sensor results were found to be satisfactory. Real environmental samples were then analyzed to evaluate the sensor's reliability through DPV, and the results showed that the proposed novel electrochemical sensor holds great promise for mitigating water contamination in the real samples with the lab-made Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NC. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for improving sensors for broad environmental monitoring applications using the electrochemical approach.

Layered double hydroxide/conductive polymer nanocomposites: Toward multifunctional biocompatible nanoadsorbents for wastewater treatment applications

ABSTRACT Layered double hydroxide (LDH)/conductive polymer nanocomposites combine the promising adsorption capabilities of 2D layered nanomaterials and the electric properties of conductive polymers, resulting in multifunctional adsorbents for wastewater treatment. In this work, a simple in situ polymerization of aniline was conducted in the presence of Zn-Fe LDH to synthesize a Zn-Fe LDH/PANI nanocomposite, which was characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET. The composite showed a particle-like morphology with a size of 30–60 nm and a BET surface area of 23.27 m2/g and was used as an adsorbent for carbamazepine (CBZ). Zn-Fe LDH/PANI removed 98% of CBZ at pH 7, 0.2 g/L, and 40 mg/L CBZ. For biocompatibility, acute toxicity was assessed in vivo for ten days using male albino rats, and probit analysis (after 2, 6, and 24 hours) was used to determine the LD0, LD20, LD50, LD90, and LD100 values, which were calculated to be 890, 1051, 3188, 6371, and 11,300, respectively. During this time, the rats were weighed, and other observations were made, including mortality, behavior, injuries, and any symptoms of toxicity or side effects. Histopathological examination of organs such as the liver, kidney, brain, skin, intestine, and cecum for any pathological alterations was performed. Two green metrics were applied, the Analytical Eco-scale and the Analytical GREEness Calculator (AGREE).

Effect of gamma irradiation on properties of the synthesized PANI-Cu nanoparticles assimilated into PS polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding application

Conductive polymer nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding are important materials that can be combat the increasingly dangerous radiation pollution arising from electronic equipment and our surrounding environment. In this work, we have synthesized polyaniline-copper nanoparticles (PANI-Cu NPs) by the copper salt based oxidative polymerization method at room temperature and then added with different concentration (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt%) in polystyrene polymer forming PS/ PANI-Cu nanocomposites films by means of the traditional solution casting technique. The formed PANI-Cu NPs were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and SEM/EDX elemental mapping techniques. On the other hand, the prepared PS/PANI-Cu nanocomposites films were evaluated by UV and SEM, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites films were evaluated and showed an improvement by added PANI-Cu NPs up to 3 wt% and 50 kGy gamma exposure dose. The PS/PANI-Cu nanocomposites films were examined as electromagnetic interference shielding material. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the produced nanocomposites were tested in the X-band of the radio frequency range namely from 8 to 12 GHz using the vector network analyzer (VNA) and a proper wave guide. All samples were studied before and after 50 kGy gamma-ray irradiation under the same condition of pressure and temperature. The results showed that the nanocomposites have improved shielding properties.

Assessment of effective electrical conductivity in spherocylindrical carbon nanotube composites incorporating intrinsic properties of CNTs and interphase layer

This study introduces an analytical model using mean-field theory to estimate the effective electrical conductivity in composites of spherocylindrical carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The model adjusts the interphase layer's thickness and conductivity based on CNT concentration, affecting the electrical tunneling effect, and incorporates the properties of both CNTs and the interphase layer. Validated through detailed comparisons with experimental data, the model accurately predicts the electrical conductivities of polymer-CNT composites (PCNTs). Mean Squared Error analysis highlights its enhanced precision and superiority over traditional cylindrical CNT models. The model also explores how CNT dimensions, intrinsic conductivity, tunneling distance, potential barrier height, and variations in interphase thickness and conductivity influence electrical conductivity and percolation thresholds. This analytical model improves accuracy in predicting PCNT electrical conductivity and provides critical insights for designing and optimizing conductive polymer nanocomposites.

Towards highly homogeneous self-regulating heating of smart nanocomposites

Smart self-regulating heating devices utilising the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect have shown great potential in advancing applications across healthcare, soft robotics, and energy-efficient manufacturing. However, achieving homogeneous resistive heating within such temperature self-controllable nanocomposites remains a significant challenge, falling short of meeting the requirements of advanced heating systems. This study explores and evaluates multiple innovative strategies aimed at enhancing the temperature uniformity of PTC nanocomposites. By identifying and analysing the primary physical mechanisms behind the inhomogeneous heating observed in conductive polymer composites, we propose a series of targeted strategies, ranging from customised material formulations to novel electrode configurations. Recycled carbon fibres have also been explored and upcycled as an effective solution for homogenous self-regulating heating. Through a comprehensive analysis of experimental results, the effectiveness of each strategy has been evaluated with a significantly improved temperature uniformity (from 32.6 to 2.7 % variation at 125 °C), providing valuable insights for the design and development of advanced self-regulating heating devices based on conductive polymer nanocomposites, while offering promising prospects for achieving more energy-efficient and uniform heating in various industrial applications.

One-Pot Electrodeposition of a PANI:PSS/MWCNT Nanocomposite on Carbon Paper for Scalable Determination of Ascorbic Acid

In recent years, there has been growing demand for the monitoring of ascorbic acid levels, especially in underdeveloped populations where ascorbic acid deficiency affects up to 74% of individuals. To facilitate widespread ascorbic acid screening, we have developed a highly scalable conductive polymer nanocomposite with excellent ascorbic acid sensing performance. The material is based on polyaniline, which is deposited in a single step in the presence of polystyrene sulfonate and multi-walled carbon nanotubes onto carbon paper. The modified electrodes take advantage of the electrocatalytic properties of polyaniline toward ascorbic acid, which are boosted by the proton donating polystyrene sulfonate polymer and the high surface area of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The morphology and composition of the composite are characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the electrochemical characteristics are examined using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The modified electrode shows good ascorbic acid sensing characteristics, with a linear range of 1–400 μM, a sensitivity of 546 μA mM−1 cm−2, and a limit of detection of 0.11 μM. High performance and low cost results in a promising platform to support the widespread, cheap monitoring of ascorbic acid deficiency.

Carbon nanotube as a conductive rheological modifier for carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy 3D printing inks

Rheological modifiers enable direct ink writing of polymers with low viscosity such as epoxy without requiring light or heat. Modifiers that conduct electrons and phonons impart multifunctional properties to 3D printed polymers. Here, we report the development of printable nanocomposite inks comprised of epoxy, carbon fibers (CFs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to achieve excellent mechanical properties and multifunctionality via high electrical conductivity required for next-generation light weight aerospace, electronics, and energy applications. CF and CNT concentrations of 8.5 and 1.7 wt%, respectively, render the material shear-thinning with a high yield stress, hence printable and self-supporting after being printed. An average electrical conductivity of 10−2 S/cm and thermal conductivity of 0.3 W/m.K were measured for the 3D-printed multi-layer structures. Furthermore, tensile modulus, tensile strength, flexural modulus, and flexural strength were measured to be 5.8, 0.08, 6.0, and 0.1 GPa, respectively. Compared with other 3D printed conductive polymer nanocomposites with reported electrical conductivity and elastic modulus, the structures here have the highest specific elastic modulus. They also possess the highest electrical conductivity among the 3D printed polymeric composites of carbon nanomaterials with an elastic modulus above 1 GPa. This is due to the outstanding combination of CNTs, CFs, and epoxy. The results expand the range of polymer properties for multifunctional applications.

Customized Extrusion Nozzle Assisted Robust Nylon 6/MWCNT Nanocomposite Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Advanced Smart Wearables

To meet the growing demand for durable, tough, and electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites driven by the rise of smart devices, e-textiles, wearables, and advanced structures, this study offers a systematic approach to fabricating highly robust Nylon 6/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite films and fibers. The robustness of the nanocomposite is achieved through a simple straightforward approach involving the selective surface functionalization of MWCNTs with oxygen plasma-assisted tetraethylenepentamine grafting (O2T-MWCNTs) and melt-blending these MWCNTs with Nylon 6 under optimized conditions. The mixture is then processed through a specially designed narrow convergent nozzle attached to the extruder die. The die facilitates the alignment of the CNTs into the matrix in the flow direction and increases the composite strength. The incorporation of just 1 wt% of O2T-MWCNTs into Nylon 6 results in a nanocomposite with a remarkable enhancement, demonstrating a 93.25 % increase in tensile strength (T.S.), a 50.47 % increase in Young’s Modulus (E), and an outstanding 136 % increase in elongation at the break (ε) compared to neat Nylon 6, surpassing contemporary benchmarks. Importantly, this method yields a nanocomposite ∼ 30.2 % stronger than the conventional melt-blending process without a nozzle. When fabricating a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with the nanocomposite, exceptional performance was observed, with an output voltage of 105.7 V, a current of 10.55 μA, and a power density of 465 mW/m2, surpassing many reported values. Moreover, the TENG displays highly stable performance through 20,000 cycles of continuous compression. The nanogenerator also exhibited outstanding capability in harvesting mechanical energy from body movements, as demonstrated by lighting various LEDs and small electronics.

PVDF Hybrid Nanocomposites with Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes and Their Thermoresistive and Joule Heating Properties.

In recent years, conductive polymer nanocomposites have gained significant attention due to their promising thermoresistive and Joule heating properties across a range of versatile applications, such as heating elements, smart materials, and thermistors. This paper presents an investigation of semi-crystalline polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposites with 6 wt.% carbon-based nanofillers, namely graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and a combination of GNPs and MWCNTs (hybrid). The influence of the mono- and hybrid fillers on the crystalline structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the nanocomposites had increased amorphous fraction compared to the neat PVDF. Furthermore, nanocomposites enhanced the β phase of the PVDF by up to 12% mainly due to the presence of MWCNTs. The resistive properties of the nanocompositions were weakly affected by the temperature in the analyzed temperature range of 25-100 °C; nevertheless, the hybrid filler composites were proven to be more sensitive than the monofiller ones. The Joule heating effect was observed when 8 and 10 V were applied, and the compositions reached a self-regulating effect at around 100-150 s. In general, the inclusion in PVDF of nanofillers such as GNPs and MWCNTs, and especially their hybrid combinations, may be successfully used for tuning the self-regulated Joule heating properties of the nanocomposites.

Comprehensive Investigation of the Temperature-Dependent Electromechanical Behaviors of Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composites.

The performances of flexible piezoresistive sensors based on polymer nanocomposites are significantly affected by the environmental temperature; therefore, comprehensively investigating the temperature-dependent electromechanical response behaviors of conductive polymer nanocomposites is crucial for developing high-precision flexible piezoresistive sensors in a wide-temperature range. Herein, carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites widely used for flexible piezoresistive sensors were prepared, and then the temperature-dependent electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical properties of the optimized CNT/PDMS composite in the temperature range from -150 to 150 °C were systematically investigated. At a low temperature of -150 °C, the CNT/PDMS composite becomes brittle with a compressive modulus of ∼1.2 MPa and loses its elasticity and reversible sensing capability. At a high temperature (above 90 °C), the CNT/PDMS composite softens, shows a fluid-like mechanical property, and loses its reversible sensing capability. In the temperature range from -60 to 90 °C, the CNT/PDMS composite exhibits good elasticity and reversible sensing behaviors and its modulus, resistivity, and sensing sensitivity decrease with an increasing temperature. At room temperature (30 °C), the CNT/PDMS composite exhibits better mechanical and piezoresistive stability than those at low and high temperatures. Given that environmental temperature changes have significant effects on the sensing performances of conductive polymer composites, the effect of ambient temperature changes must be considered when flexible piezoresistive sensors are designed and fabricated.

Investigations on Impact of YSZ Nanoparticles on Morphology & Electrical conductivity of PEDOT: PSS

Conductive polymer nanocomposites, which combine the flexibility and conductivity of polymers with the unique properties of nanofillers, have generated interest in various fields such as energy storage, sensors, coatings, and corrosion protection. This study discusses the effect of Yttria-stabilized zirconium nanoparticles (YSZ NPs) on the morphology and electrical conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS). Thin films of PEDOT: PSS and PEDOT: PSS: YSZ were fabricated using spin coating technique. FTIR and XRD characterizations confirmed the interaction between YSZ nanoparticles and the PEDOT: PSS matrix, leading to changes in chemical morphology and film crystallinity. The investigation of the current-voltage (I-V) relationship showed improved electrical conductivity in PEDOT: PSS films with the addition of YSZ nanoparticles, with respective conductivities of 0.028×10−6 S cm−1 and 0.0885×10−4 S cm−1 for pristine and YSZ-containing films. Additionally, the sensing properties of the PEDOT: PSS: YSZ film in detecting organic vapours were studied. These findings suggest that these conducting polymer nanocomposite thin films could potentially be used as electrolyte components in battery cells, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, as well as serve as sensors for certain organic vapours.

Synthesis of PEDOT/CNTs Thermoelectric Thin Films with a High Power Factor.

In this study, we have improved the power factor of conductive polymer nanocomposites by combining layer-by-layer assembly with electrochemical deposition to produce flexible thermoelectric materials based on PEDOT/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-films. To produce films based on CNTs and PEDOT, a dual approach has been employed: (i) the layer-by-layer method has been utilized for constructing the CNTs layer and (ii) electrochemical polymerization has been used in the synthesis of the conducting polymer. Moreover, the thermoelectric properties were optimized by controlling the experimental conditions including the number of deposition cycles and electropolymerizing time. The electrical characterization of the samples was carried out by measuring the Seebeck voltage produced under a small temperature difference and by measuring the electrical conductivity using the four-point probe method. The resulting values of the Seebeck coefficient S and σ were used to determine the power factor. The structural and morphological analyses of CNTs/PEDOT samples were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The best power factor achieved was 131.1 (μWm-1K-2), a competitive value comparable to some inorganic thermoelectric materials. Since the synthesis of the CNT/PEDOT layers is rather simple and the ingredients used are relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly, the proposed nanocomposites are a very interesting approach as an application for recycling heat waste.

Review of sustainable, eco-friendly, and conductive polymer nanocomposites for electronic and thermal applications: current status and future prospects.

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites (BPNCs) are advanced materials that have gained significant attention over the past 20 years due to their advantages over conventional polymers. BPNCs are eco-friendly, cost-effective, contamination-resistant, and tailorable for specific applications. Nevertheless, their usage is limited due to their unsatisfactory physical and mechanical properties. To improve these properties, nanofillers are incorporated into natural polymer matrices, to enhance mechanical durability, biodegradability, electrical conductivity, dielectric, and thermal properties. Despite the significant advances in the development of BPNCs over the last decades, our understanding of their dielectric, thermal, and electrical conductivity is still far from complete. This review paper aims to provide comprehensive insights into the fundamental principles behind these properties, the main synthesis, and characterization methods, and their functionality and performance. Moreover, the role of nanofillers in strength, permeability, thermal stability, biodegradability, heat transport, and electrical conductivity is discussed. Additionally, the paper explores the applications, challenges, and opportunities of BPNCs for electronic devices, thermal management, and food packaging. Finally, this paper highlights the benefits of BPNCs as biodegradable and biodecomposable functional materials to replace traditional plastics. Finally, the contemporary industrial advances based on an overview of the main stakeholders and recently commercialized products are addressed.