Synthesis, structural, morphological, optical and electrical studies of PANI / SnO2 nanocomposites
R. Anitha, Е. Ranjith Kumar, K. Rathnakumar, S. C. Vella Durai
Abstract
Tin Oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles were prepared by the microwave-assisted solution method. Aniline monomers were prepared and polymerization in the suspension of SnO2 to form nanocomposites material, in which SnO2 nanoparticle was embedded within the polyaniline chain (PANI). Structural, Optical, Morphology and AC electrical conductivity studies of the sample were carried out using power X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope and AC Impedance Spectroscopy. Powder XRD helped to confirm the formation of PANI/SnO2 composites and the crystallite size of the nanocomposite is found to be 16 nm. Structural changes of PANI due to the presence of SnO2 in PANI/SnO2 nanocomposites have been analyzed in FT-IR and UV-Vis spectrum. SEM images show the morphology of PANI/SnO2 nanocomposites. HRTEM images were observed and showed that the SnO2 was scattered and confirmed the PANI chain that formed a PANI/SnO2 nanocomposites material. AC conductivity was studied in the frequency between 10 Hz - 8 MHz. At higher angular frequencies, the nanocomposites exhibit almost the maximum value of AC electrical conductivity (σac) is found at 303K of SnO2 in PANI.