Novel hybrid materials based on poly (4,4′-Diaminodiphenyl sulfone) and TiO2 nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, physical and electrochemical properties

Innovative hybrid composites based on poly (4,4'-Diaminodiphenyl sulfone) (PDDS) and TiO2 nanoparticles have been synthesized. The samples have been prepared by in situ polymerization method. The structural and morphological analysis of synthesized materials was accomplished with FTIR, XRD, GPC, UV-visible and SEM. TGA has been used to study thermal properties. BET analysis shows an improved adsorption capacity by the presence of TiO2 in nanocomposites compared with pure PDDS. The evaluation of the mechanical properties evolution was by measuring the Young's modulus and yield strength. Interestingly, the optical band gap of the PDDS has been effectively tuned from 3.88 to 3.81 eV as the TiO2 content increases from 5 to 15 wt %. The PDDS@TiO2 nanocomposites exhibited a good electroactivity response where they reach the oxidation and reduction peaks at 301 mV and 165 mV, respectively.