| dc.description |
The present study demonstrates a modified in situ emulsion polymerization (EP) approach convenient for the formation
of polypyrrole/graphene (PPy/GN) nanocomposites with harnessed conductivities. A series of PPy/GN nanocomposites were prepared
by loading different weight percent (wt %) of GN during in situ EP of pyrrole monomer. The polymerization was carried out in the
presence of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, which acts as an emulsifier and protonating agent. The microstructures of the nanocomposites
were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared,
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and thermogravimetric
analyses. The electrical conductivities of the nanocomposite pellets pressed at different applied pressures were determined using four
probe analyzer. The electrical conductivities of the nanocomposites were considerably enhanced as compared to those of the individual
PPy samples pressed at the same pressures. An enhanced conductivity of 717.06 S m21 was observed in the sample with 5 wt %
GN loading and applied pressure of 8 tons. The results of the present study signify that the addition of GN in the PPy polymer harnesses
both electrical and thermal properties of the polymer. Thus, PPy/GN nanocomposites with superior properties for various
semiconductor applications can be obtained through direct loading of GN during the polymerization process. |
|