Synthesis, characterization and properties of Se nanowires intercalated polyaniline/Se nanocomposites

Present work reports novel synthesis of Polyaniline (PANI)/Se nanocomposites. Se nanowires are prepared from SeO2 under assistance of vitamin C and polyaniline is synthesized through chemical oxidation. The effect of composition of Se nanowires on the properties of polyaniline was investigated and five orders increase in conductivity after doping has been observed. The electrical properties of nanocomposites show that conduction is through hopping process due to the wide range of localized states present near fermi level. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) and ultraviolet (UV)-visible studies confirm the occurrence of polyaniline in conducting emeraldine salt form in the composites and suggest incorporation of Se in polymer. The optical studies indicate that absorption mechanism is due to indirect allowed transition and the optical band gap tends to decrease after doping. The thermal stability of composites has been ascertained on the basis of DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetery) measurements. TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis have also been carried out for morphological studies.