Synthesis, Characterization, and AC Conductivity of Polyaniline/Selenium Composites

Abstract

This study reports structural and thermal properties and temperature-dependent alternating current (AC) conductivity of polyaniline/selenium (PANI/Se) composites in emeraldine salt form prepared by a chemical polymerization method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the doping process significantly affected the N-H bond in PANI chain. The free energy change, which was calculated from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, showed that Se was electrostatically adsorbed on PANI molecules. From the scanning electron microscopy images it was determined that morphological changes caused by the doping process on PANI surface could affect conductivity. Thermal analysis, which was performed with differential scanning calorimetry, showed that the addition of Se increased the degradation temperature of PANI. Depending on the doping level, significant increase was observed in the AC conductivity of PANI, approximately 11, 13, and 17 times for 300, 350, and 400 K temperatures respectively.

Keywords:

• AC conductivity
• morphology
• polyaniline
• polymer composites
• selenium

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Research Fund of the Kocaeli University (Project No. 2010/51). The authors would also like to thank Dr. Umit Ay and Prof (Dr.) Muzaffer Zeren for AAS and SEM measurements respectively. Last but not least, our thanks to Dr. Özcan Gündoğdu of Kocaeli University for his helpful comments and advice.