Hierarchical Polyaniline Core-Shell Nanocomposites Coated on Modified Graphite for Improved Electrical Conductivity
Asima Naz1,2, Ali Irfan3, Sami A Al-Hussain4
1Department of Chemistry, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST), Mirpur Azad Jammu & Kashmir 10250, Pakistan.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed new functional graphite (FG) nanocomposites for enhanced electrical conductivity. These materials, incorporating polyaniline, poly(methyl methacrylate), and a block copolymer, show improved thermal stability and conductivity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Graphite's high electrical conductivity drives interest in its industrial applications.
- Developing novel nanocomposites with enhanced properties is crucial for advanced materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate multifunctional nanocomposites using functional graphite (FG) as a filler.
- To investigate the structural, thermal, and electrical properties of the resulting FG-enhanced polymer composites.
Main Methods:
- In situ polymerization of polyaniline (PANi), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and a block copolymer (PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG) in the presence of FG.
- Characterization using FTIR, XPS, EDX, SEM, XRD, TGA, DSC, and conductivity measurements.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of multilayered conducting PANi/PMMA/PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG@FG nanocomposites.
- FTIR confirmed H-bonding between PANi and PMMA, creating ion exchange sites.
- SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC indicated improved morphology, structure, crystallinity, and thermal stability.
- Conductivity measurements demonstrated significant enhancement due to FG and PANi.
Conclusions:
- The fabricated FG-enhanced polymer nanocomposites exhibit superior electrical conductivity and thermal stability.
- Functional graphite and polyaniline synergistically contribute to the enhanced properties.
- These novel nanocomposites hold promise for applications requiring high electrical conductivity.
