Fabrication of chitosan/Ag-nanoparticles/clay nanocomposites for catalytic control on oxidative polymerization of aniline

In this work simple fabrication of nanocomposites based on Chitosan, silver nanoparticles and clay were investigated. The control on oxidative polymerization for aniline has been studied using the fabricated nanocomposites as catalysts. The prepared catalyst samples before and after polymerization of aniline were characterized using XRD, FTIR and TEM techniques. The percent of conversion and electrical conductivity of the synthesized polyaniline (PANI) were investigated. Catalyst characterization indicated that Chitosan intercalated with clay silicate layer by NH2 groups. Characterization of PANI/catalyst and the percent of conversion of PANI confirmed that these catalysts controlled the linking of aniline polymerization because Chitosan-NH2 groups gave radical cations which promote the polymerization process. The presence of AgNPs of the prepared nanocomposite catalysts reduces the d-spacing, gave the bridged network like morphology and enhanced aniline polymerization. The electrical conductivity of the synthesized PANI was enhanced using the prepared catalysts. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.