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

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.