Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline/graphite composites and study of their electrical and electrochemical properties

Abstract

Abstract Polyaniline/graphite (PA/G) composites were prepared by the incorporation of graphite in various proportions (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0%) into polyaniline (PA) through the in situ polymerization of aniline. The polymer composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, a four‐probe method, current–voltage characteristics, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy revealed interaction between graphite and the imine groups of PA. The polymer composites showed a crystalline nature with a hexagonal primitive structure. The uniform distribution of graphite particles was observed within the polymer matrix. The composites were found to possess good thermal stability up to 573 K. The conductivity of the composites was in the range 4.53–238.08 S/cm, and the conductivity varied with temperature. The band gap of the composites was found in the range 1.2–1.6 eV. The PA/G composites also displayed a reversible electrochemical response, as revealed by the CV study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010