Polythiophene Nanocomposites Research Articles

In-situ polymerization of polythiophene/silicon carbide nanocomposites for gas sensing and optoelectronic devices

Silicon carbide (SiC)-reinforced polythiophene (PTh) nanocomposites were synthesized by oxidative in-situ polymerization. The successful inclusion of SiC nanoparticles into the PTh was confirmed by the characteristic peak of Si–C bond around 865 cm−1 in the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns demonstrate that the amorphous nature of PTh reduces with the addition of SiC. The intensity of UV–Vis absorbance increased proportionally with filler loading, indicating improved optical properties for PThSiC7 (polythiophene/silicon carbide 7 wt%) nanocomposite compared to pristine PTh. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images illustrate the changes in surface morphology of PTh with the addition of SiC and uniform dispersion was observed in PThSiC7. The formation of spherical-shaped moieties was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The shifts in degradation and glass transition temperatures towards higher values were attributed to the enhanced thermal properties of the nanocomposites. Temperature-dependent studies on the electrical and dielectric properties of the samples underscored the excellent conductivity exhibited by PThSiC7 (7 × 10−3 S/cm) with a low activation energy of 0.058 eV. In response to the growing demand for gas sensors, samples were tested to sense ammonia gas, demonstrating that PThSiC nanocomposites were more sensitive than PTh. The controllable optical properties, thermal stability, electrical characteristics, and gas sensing performance of the PThSiC nanocomposites suggest their potential as a promising material for the development of advanced energy storage systems, sensors, and optoelectronic devices.

Fabrication and characterization of a novel strontium oxide-polythiophene core–shell nanocomposite for in-vitro electrochemical detection of antiplatelet cilostazol drug in formulation and human plasma

The green synthesis of metal or metal oxide nanoparticles utilizing plants is a novel promising approach in bio-nanotechnology. The strontium oxide nanoparticles (SrO NPs) were synthesized for the first time utilizing a plant extract of Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The strontium oxide polythiophene (SrO@PTh) nanocomposite was then prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of thiophene on the surface of SrO NPs using anhydrous FeCl3 as an oxidant. FTIR spectrum indicates the coordination of SrO NPs with the binding sites along PTh backbone. TEM analysis resulted in an average particles size of (25 – 50 nm) for SrO NPs and core–shell nanostructure of its composite (SrO@PTh CS) with shell thickness of (20–90 nm). The XRD analysis indicates a crystalline cubic structure of SrO NPs with particles size of ≈ 45 nm in average and interplanar space of (0.24 ∼ 0.36 nm). The crystallinity was relatively diminished to some extent for SrO@PTh CS which exhibits a particle size of about 85 nm and interplanar space of (0.13 ∼ 0.23 nm). A smart and novel electrochemical graphite paste sensor (GPS), based on SrO@PTh CS nanocomposite, has been fabricated for the ultrasensitive in-vitro detection of antiplatelet drug cilostazol. SrO@PTh CS nanocomposite-based square-wave voltammetry biosensor exhibited the lowest limits of detection of 1.99 × 10−10 and 9.83 × 10−10 M for cilostazol drug determination in bulk and human plasma samples, respectively compared to all the reported methods. It exhibited also good reproducibility, repeatability, long-term stability and was free from biological interference effects.

NanoCeO2/conducting polymer based composite electrodes for high performance supercapacitor

Abstract The present research paper reports the structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of cerium oxide doped polythiophene nanocomposite. Polythiophene was first polymerized using the chemical oxidation polymerization method and further, it was mixed with an equal amount of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles by mechanical mixing. The initially generated polythiophene sample exhibited an amorphous character according to X-ray diffraction investigation, however the PTh–nCeO2 polymer nanocomposite displayed good crystallinity. The vibration bands of the PTh and PTh–nCeO2 polymer nanocomposites were further examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic studies. The morphology and elemental composition of the prepared samples were investigated using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The electrochemical performance of PTh and PTh–nCeO2 polymer nanocomposite was studied by cyclic voltammetry, Galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The PTh–nCeO2 polymer nanocomposites demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 161 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 among the produced samples. The Nyquist plot (low-frequency area) and Bode plot (phase angle) electrochemical impedance tests revealed excellent capacitive performance. The PTh–nCeO2 polymer nanocomposites may be a good option for high-performance super capacitors, according to the findings.

Silicon carbide based nanocomposite of polythiophene with high thermally stable DC electrical conduction and ethanol sensing

Here in this work, we are reporting thermally stable DC electrical conductivity of silicon carbide nanocomposite with polythiophene and its sensing behavior towards ethanol. Polythiophene (PTh) and Polythiophene/SiC (PTh/SiC) nanocomposite were synthesized by in-situ process of polymerization via oxidation route using CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) as a surfactant and characterized by X-rays diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Stability of DC electrical conductivity of PTh and PTh/SiC nanocomposite were examined at different temperature ranges from 50 °C to 130 °C in isothermal and cyclic conditions. PTh/SiC nanocomposite showed high steadiness of DC electrical conductivity than that of PTh in different thermal ageing conditions. Sensing behavior of PTh/SiC nanocomposite towards 1 M ethanol was recognized as steady with time and reversible in cyclic process.

Palladium nanospheres incorporated polythiophene nanocomposite: Investigation of potency promising antimicrobial efficacy

The investigation of synthetically integrated palladium (Pd) nanospheres embedded polythiophene (PT) nanocomposite through electrostatic interaction for the antibacterial activity against microorganisms namely Escherichia Coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus subtilis and fungal cultures, such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus and Candida albicans. The purity of synthesized materials was analyzed using various methods including X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy; Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The incorporated PT-Pd nanocomposite's N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm was used in a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) examination to determine the specific surface area and normal pore size measurements, which were calculated to be 5.870 m2 g−1 and 3.5 nm, respectively. Agar well diffusion technique was used to test the produced compounds' inhibitory effects over the course of 24 hrs. When compared to gram-positive organisms, this study showed the best response against gram-negative organisms, with no effective activity against fungal organisms. On the other hand, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the electrochemical properties of the produced materials, such as electroactivity and conductivity, in order to promote the antibacterial activity. Accordingly, the observed outcomes imply that the PT-Pd based nanocomposite produced in our current framework is a good candidate for a variety of biological and environmental applications.

Polythiophene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/nitrate reductase deposited glassy carbon electrode (GCE/PTH/MWCNT/NR): a novel biosensor for the detection of nitrate in aqueous solution

Abstract In the present investigation, a novel biosensor (GCE/PTH/MWCNT/NR) based on the nanocomposite of polythiophene (PTH) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) immobilized by nitrate reductase (NR) was designed and made on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). PTH and its composite with MWCNT were prepared by in situ oxidative polymerization. The structural features and surface morphologies of the composites were investigated by the standard analytical techniques, namely, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Measurements of the electrochemical performance and electrocatalytic activity of GCE/PTH/MWCNT/NR were carried out by cyclic voltammetry at different scan rates (20–100 mV s−1) in artificially polluted water containing nitrate ions. This laboratory-developed bio-electrode attained a maximum current density of 5.12 mAcm−2 at a scan rate of 100 mVs−1 for 8.0 mM sodium nitrate solution.

Electroconductive Polythiophene Nanocomposite Fibrous Scaffolds for Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation via Electrical Stimulation.

Biophysical cues are key distinguishing characteristics that influence tissue development and regeneration, and significant efforts have been made to alter the cellular behavior by means of cell-substrate interactions and external stimuli. Electrically conductive nanofibers are capable of treating bone defects since they closely mimic the fibrillar architecture of the bone matrix and deliver the endogenous and exogenous electric fields required to direct cell activities. Nevertheless, previous studies on conductive polymer-based scaffolds have been limited to polypyrrole, polyaniline, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). In the present study, chemically synthesized polythiophene nanoparticles (PTh NPs) are incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers, and subsequent changes in physicochemical, mechanical, and electrical properties are observed in a concentration-dependent manner. In murine preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), we examine how substrate properties modified by adding PTh NPs contribute to changes in the cellular behavior, including viability, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Additionally, we determine that external electrical stimulation (ES) mediated by PTh NPs positively affects such osteogenic responses. Together, our results provide insights into polythiophene's potential as an electroconductive composite scaffold material.

Catalytic/photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization activities of heteropolyacid immobilized on magnetic polythiophene nanocatalyst

Herein, Keggin-type heteropolyacid (SiMo12) supported on magnetic polythiophene nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized. The obtained Fe3O4@SiO2@PT\\SiMo12 magnetic nanocomposite has been characterized by XRD, FESEM and the relating XEDS energy mapping, UV–vis DRS, ICP-MS, and VSM. The catalytic and photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization (ODS) activities of the synthesized nanocatalysts were studied with T, BT, and DBT as the model sulfur compounds. Results showed that the Fe3O4@SiO2@PT\\SiMo12 nanocatalyst exhibited significantly higher catalytic and photocatalytic ODS activities than pure SiMo12, PT, and Fe3O4@SiO2@PT at the same experimental conditions. In general, Fe3O4@SiO2@PT\\SiMo12 showed higher photocatalytic ODS (under visible light) activity (97.2%, 99% and 99.7%) than catalytic ODS (87%, 89.6% and 96.2%) for T, BT, and DBT respectively after 45 min. Also, the Fe3O4@SiO2@PT\\SiMo12 nanocatalyst possessed excellent stability after five reaction cycles.

SnO2 and Ni doped SnO2 /polythiophene nanocomposites for gas sensing applications

This short letter reports the achievement of promising sensing properties by using pure and Ni doped SnO2-Polythiophene nanostructured materials. These nanocomposites of SnO2 (undoped and doped with Ni) and polythiophene (PTh) were synthesized by electrochemical oxidative polymerization of thiophene in the presence of the two types of nanoparticles obtained by co‐precipitation. The as obtained materials were used as active layer in sensing devices. The nanocomposites were structurally characterized and their electrochemical properties were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The nanocomposites conductivity variation with temperature was studied in air and then were exposed to different pollutant gases to investigate the composites suitability for gas sensing applications, which prove to be promising materials.

CdSe reinforced polythiophene nanocomposites as excellent materials for diode applications

CdSe reinforced polythiophene nanocomposites as excellent materials for diode applications

Bi-doped barium ferrite decorated polythiophene nanocomposite: influence of Bi-doping on structure, morphology, thermal and EMI shielding behavior for X-band

The electronic and communication devices such as mobile, laptop, and radio ease our day-to-day life. However, these devices emit harmful radiation, which affects human health and the environment. Therefore, to prevent such radiation-based pollution and provide a safer working environment, viable and promising EMI shielding materials have been investigated. Keeping this in mind, the present work reports the relatively low-temperature synthesis of bismuth-doped barium ferrite (BaBixFe12−xO19, Bi-BFO) nanoparticles and their nanocomposite via sol–gel and in situ emulsion polymerization approaches for their application in EMI shielding material. The influence of Bi-doping on phase purity, morphology, structure, and thermal behavior has been explored. The EMI shielding properties of these materials have been investigated in the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) region. The composite (Bi-BFO:PT = 2:1 Bi-BFO/PTh-21) with 1 mm thickness exhibited maximum shielding effectiveness (SE) of − 47.12 dB in the X-band region. The high shielding activity is mainly due to the efficient complementarities between the magnetic and dielectric loss. The doping of Bi in barium ferrite results in the increase in electrical polarization that led to the high dielectric loss, causing higher absorption of electromagnetic (EM) waves. These studies suggest that the nanocomposite may find its scope as an excellent microwave absorber for a wide frequency region.

Investigating the effectiveness of g-C3N4 on Pt /g-C3N4/ polythiophene nanocomposites performance as an electrochemical sensor for Hg2+ detection

Abstract The effect of g-C3N4 on the sensing performance of a Pt/g-C3N4/ polythiophene nanocomposite (Pt/g-C3N4/PTh NCs) was investigated in this work. The nanocomposites were synthesized via the chemical reduction of Pt (II) in the presence of l -cysteine as the reducing agent. The synthesized nanocomposite was utilized as a sensing material for the electrochemical detection of Hg2+ and was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The electrical resistance from EIS measurements showed a decrease of 61.87 kohm. cm−2 for the Pt/PTh NCs compared to the Pt/g-C3N4/PTh NCs, due to the increase of Pt adsorption onto the active sites of g-C3N4 and PTh. A linear voltammetric response was obtained between a concentration range of 1 and 500 nM Hg2+, with a detection limit (at S/N = 3) and sensitivity of 0.009 nM and 1.0787 μA nM−1. cm-2, respectively.

The electrochemical sensor based on graphene oxide nanosheets decorated by gold nanoparticles and polythiophene for nicotine sensing in biological samples and cigarette

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide (GO), Au nanoparticle, and polythiophene (PT) nanocomposites that were decorated by Au nanoparticles, (GO-4-ATP-Au-PT/Au) was prepared. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) revealed an accurate peak current at the potential of + 0.81 V versus Ag/AgCl. Under optimized experimental conditions, there is a linear relationship between peak current and nicotine concentration in the range from 1.00 × 10–6 to 3.00 × 10–5 mol L−1, and the detection limit is 1.7 × 10–7 mol mL−1. The GO-4-ATP-Au-PT/Au GCE was successfully used for the analysis of nicotine in cigarettes, serum blood, and urine samples and presented recoveries between 96.0 and 100.6%.

Sensitive voltammetric sensor based on silver dendrites decorated polythiophene nanocomposite: Selective determination of L-Tryptophan

This present work describes the direct electrochemical determination of L-Tryptophan (L-Try) using polythiophene (PT) with silver (Ag) dendrites composite formed via electrostatic interaction. In the composite, Ag dendrites provide the energy to speedup chemical reaction by the presence of cationic free radicals and found attached with the backbone of PT. Furthermore, the sulfur groups of PT help in the formation of a stable product, and keeping them in same phase. The PT-Ag modified Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE) revealed excellent electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of L-Try with the linear response in the concentration range of 200 nM–400 μM with detection limit of 20 nM. The fabricated sensor demonstrated the selective determination of L-Try in presence of foreign substances and the PT-Ag modified interface lead to the development of novel biosensor with high sensitivity and good stability which is mainly attributable to increased surface area of the composite. The characteristics of the PT-Ag hybrid nanocomposite proved the determination of L-Try in real food samples like soybeans extract with satisfactory results.

Camphor sulfonic acid surfactant assisted polythiophene nanocomposite for efficient electrochemical hydrazine sensor

In this present work, we demonstrate an efficient electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrazine, using glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) assisted polythiophene / aluminium oxide (PTHA) nanocomposite. The CSA-PTHA nanocomposite was synthesised using an in situ chemical oxidative polymerisation method. The nanocomposite was characterised by XPS, AFM, DSC / DTA and impedance analysis. The CSA-PTHA nanocomposite modified GCE can be used for efficient hydrazine electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity and low limit of detection (LOD). The electrochemical detection test of hydrazine was conducted with CSA-PTHA modified GCE by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric techniques and the results are compared with pure polythiophene (PTH) modified GCE. Comparing with PTH modified GCE; CSA-PTHA modified GCE illustrates a higher sensing performance leading to significant sensitivity of 0.285 μA μM−1cm−2 and a very low LOD of 0.18 μM at S/N = 3 for wide linear range of hydrazine concentration from 10 μM to 90 μM with a correlation coefficient R2 = 0.99668. Also, the performance of CSA-PTHA modified GCE electrode is comparable or even better than that of the other reported functional materials for hydrazine detection. Hence, our result shows that the compositing of conducting polymer with metal oxide could offer an efficient way to fabricate advance and economic electrochemical sensors.

Preparation of NiFe2O4/polythiophene nanocomposite and its enhanced adsorptive uptake of Janus green B and Fuchsin basic from aqueous solution: Isotherm and kinetics studies

AbstractNiFe2O4/polythiophene nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of thiophene in NiFe2O4 nanoparticles presence, whereas NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared via coprecipitation method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible, and SEM, EDX techniques were used for characterization of the nanocomposite. The effect of various parameters such as adsorbent dose, contact time, initial dye concentration, and initial pH of solution on the adsorption of Janus green B (JG) and Fuchsin basic (FB) onto the nanocomposite was optimized by batch studies. The equilibrium uptake data ascribed well to the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 143 and 498 mg/g at 303 K for JG and FB, respectively. The exceptional high adsorption capacity of NiFe2O4/polythiophene nanocomposite for JG and FB was ascribed to π‐π and electrostatic interactions. Kinetics studies pointed out that JG and FB removal followed pseudo‐second order model. The negative values of ΔH° (JG: –47.28; FB: −38.00 kJ/mol) and ΔG° (JG: −9.347 to −6.442; FB: −14.16 to – 12.85 kJ/mol) pointed out the feasibility, spontaneity, and exothermic nature of removal process. Negative value of ΔS° (JG: –0.125; FB: –0.078 kJ/mol) suggested decrease in randomness at the solid/liquid interface. The results showed that NiFe2O4/polythiophene is an appealing adsorbent for the uptake of JG and FB dyes from aquatic environment.

Synthesis, characterisation and ethanol sensing application of polythiophene/graphene nanocomposite

Nowadays, intrinsically conducting polymers, and nanostructured carbon materials based sensors have been fabricated extensively because of their outstanding sensitivity, reversibility, stability and selectivity at low working temperature. Herein, we are reporting nanocomposite of polythiophene (PTh) with graphene nanosheets (G) as a potential candidate for ethanol vapour sensor application with high sensitivity and complete reversibility at room temperature. The cost-effective and simple in-situ chemical oxidative polymerisation technique was employed for the synthesis of PTh and PTh/G. The structural, morphological and thermal studies of as-prepared materials were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. We evaluated the comparative DC electrical conductivity retention under the isothermal and cyclic ageing conditions for all the as-prepared samples, and thus PTh/G-3 (PTh/G nanocomposite containing 15% graphene nanosheets) was found to be most stable semiconductor among all the as-prepared materials with initial DC electrical conductivity of 0.6874 Scm−1. The results revealed that thiophene monomer successfully polymerised on the surface of graphene nanosheets as a result of an electronic as well as π-π interaction between PTh and graphene nanosheets. Hopping of charge carriers from PTh to graphene nanosheets and vice versa where the extended π-conjugated system provides rapid mobility that brings about exceptionally enhanced electrical conductivity in PTh/G nanocomposites as compared to PTh. The change in DC electrical conductivity of PTh/G-3 nanocomposite was studied on exposure to ethanol vapours followed by ambient air at room temperature. It was observed that the uniform lamination of PTh on graphene nanosheets shows the excellent sensitivity than PTh, leading to a considerably low detection limit of 400 ppm and complete reversibility within 360 s at room temperature. The very short response time and complete reversibility may be accredited to the very high surface area of PTh/G-3, high electrical conductivity, availability of proper sensing pathways and active sites. More notably, PTh/G-3 was observed to be excellent in selectivity towards ethanol than various volatile hydrocarbons tested. The sensing mechanism was presented citing the involvement of polarons of polythiophene and lone pairs of electrons of ethanol during adsorption and desorption on the surface of PTh/G-3 which is responsible for the variation in DC electrical conductivity.

Highly efficient low cost EMI shielding by barium ferrite encapsulated polythiophene nanocomposite

Barium ferrite encapsulated polythiophene (BaFe12O19/PTh) nanocomposite has been synthesized to analyse electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The morphological analysis of the synthesized composites has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed the encapsulation of BaFe12O19 nanoparticles by PTh forming a core-shell structure. Highest loading of BaFe12O19 in composite (NC-100 i.e. BaFe12O19:PTh = 1:1) exhibits excellent magnetic properties with a magnetic moment and coercivity of 25.78 emu/gm and 2.5 kOe, respectively. Microwave shielding behaviour of the nanocomposite samples has been tested in X-band region by vector network analyser. Highest −43.27 dB shielding effectiveness at 11.65 GHz has been obtained in NC-100 composite. The excellent shielding effectiveness is due to the synergistic effect of dielectric and magnetic loss of the nanocomposite. These results suggest that the BaFe12O19/PTh nanocomposite (NC-100) exhibited superior EMI shielding properties and find wider application as low cost, high performance, lightweight microwave absorbing material.

Synthesis, characterization, optical and electrical properties of novel highly dendritic polythiophene nanocomposites with silver and/or gold

Novel highly dendritic polythiophene/gold PT/Au and polythiophene/silver PT/Ag nanocomposites have been successfully prepared. Polythiophene PT has been also prepared for comparison. The obtained polymers have been characterized via scanning electron microscopy SEM, transmission electron microscopy TEM, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FT-IR and thermo gravimetric analysis TGA. Optical as well as electrical properties have been also investigated. It was found that the highly dendritic structure of the nanocomposites resulted in high improvements in the optical and electrical properties for the nanocomposites rather than that of pure PT.

Flexible and high energy density solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor based on polythiophene nanocomposites and charcoal.

An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was constructed using a polythiophene/aluminium oxide (PTHA) nanocomposite as an anode electrode and charcoal as a cathode electrode. The highest specific capacitance (Csp) of the PTHA electrode was found to be 554.03 F g−1 at a current density (CD) of 1 A g−1 and that of the charcoal electrode was 374.71 F g−1 at 1.4 A g−1, measured using a three electrode system. The maximum Csp obtained for the assembled PTHA//charcoal asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was 265.14 F g−1 at 2 A g−1. It also showed a high energy density of 42.0 W h kg−1 at a power density of 735.86 W kg−1 and capacitance retention of 94.61% even after 2000 cycles. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that the asymmetric device was used to illuminate a light emitting diode (LED) for more than 15 minutes. This PTHA//charcoal ASC also possesses stable electrochemical properties in different bending positions and hence finds a promising application in flexible, wearable and portable energy storage electronic devices.