| dc.description |
The present study introduces a systematic
approach to disperse graphene oxide (GO) during emulsion
polymerization (EP) of Polyaniline (PANI) to form nanocomposites
with improved electrical conductivities. PANI/
GO samples were fabricated by loading different weight
percents (wt%) of GO through modified in situ EP of the
aniline monomer. The polymerization process was carried
out in the presence of a functionalized protonic acid such as
dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, which acts both as an
emulsifier and protonating agent. The microstructure of
the PANI/GO nanocomposites was studied by scanning
electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy,
X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectrometry, Fourier transform
infrared, differential thermal, and thermogravimetric analyses.
The formed nanocomposites exhibited superior morphology
and thermal stability. Meanwhile, the electrical
conductivities of the nanocomposite pellets pressed at
different applied pressures were determined using the fourprobe
analyzer. It was observed that the addition of GO
was an essential component to improving the thermal
stability and electrical conductivities of the PANI/GO
nanocomposites. The electrical conductivities of the
nanocomposites were considerably enhanced as compared
to those of the individual PANI samples pressed at the
same pressures. An enhanced conductivity of 474 S/m was observed at 5 wt% GO loading and an applied pressure of 6
t. Therefore, PANI/GO composites with desirable properties
for various semiconductor applications can be obtained
by in situ addition of GO during the polymerization
process. |
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