Synthesis and characterization of tanninsulfonic acid doped polyaniline-metal oxide nanocomposites

Composites of conducting polymers and metal oxides have a potential role in electronic devices because of their enhanced physical and electronic properties. An in situ synthesis of metal oxide nanocomposites of polyaniline (PANI) and tanninsulfonic acid doped PANI was carried out at -10 degrees C with two different ratios of aniline to sodium persulfate (oxidant) and the simultaneous incorporation of TiO2, Al2O3, and ZnO nanopowders. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, spectroscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements. XRD and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of the metal oxide in the final product, whereas the spectroscopic characterization revealed interactions among the tannin, metal oxides, and PANI. The electrical properties were determined by four-point-probe bulk conductivity measurements. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012