Voltammetric and conductometric behavior of nanocomposites of polyaniline and gold nanoparticles prepared by layer-by-layer technique

Multilayer nanocomposites from polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were formed by layer-by-layer deposition. The formation of PANI-AuNPs multilayer structures was monitored by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Each deposited bilayer of PANI-AuNPs led to a monotonous and almost linear increase in both optical absorbance and the first current peak of PANI oxidation. The prepared multilayer nanocomposites were characterized by in situ conductivity measurements at different pH and potential and by transmission electron microscopy. Finally, chemosensitive properties of the new material based on the intrinsic affinity of gold nanoparticles were studied. Changes in the film resistance on exposure to vapors of mercury and sulfur-containing compounds were observed.