In Situ Synthesis of Polymer Nanocomposites from PANI/PAA/MWCNTs: Analysis and Characterization

Abstract

We are proposing a polyaniline (PANI)/polyacrylic acid (PAA)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite by in situ chemical polymerization method. For making polyaniline more user friendly and with desired properties, bulky polymeric materials have been incorporated, and the material prepared shows improved catalytic, electrochemical, and electrical behavior. We reinforced the MWCNTs in the PANI-PAA system for introducing the benefits of MWCNTs to the composite. It is well reported that carbon nanotubes act as conducting fillers (increase the bulk conductivity of the material), improve electro-catalytic properties, and increase the surface area of the material. The composite was characterized by FT-IR, UV-visible, TEM, SEM, and conductivity measurement techniques. The composites were prepared in two different acids, hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. It was observed that the composite prepared in the presence of sulfuric acid is better than that prepared in hydrochloric acid in terms of more quinoid units than benzenoid units and less possibility of dedoping of anions along with MWCNTs.

Keywords:

• Carbon nanotubes
• Composite material
• Polyacrylic acid
• Polyaniline

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge BRNS, DAE for financial support. We are also thankful to Prof. Gajender Singh (Principle Investigator, Electron Microscopy Facility IMS, BHU) and Mrs. Madhu Yashpal (Scientist, Electron Microscopy Facility, IMS, BHU) for TEM analysis; Head, School of Material Science and Technology (IT, BHU) for SEM analysis; and Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering (IT, BHU) for FT-IR analysis.