Study of a nanocomposite based on a conducting polymer: Polyaniline
Résumé
A simple way to obtain a conducting nanocomposite is described, and the conducting particles are characterized. Core-shell particles [polystyrene-polyaniline (PANI)] have been obtained by the dispersion process from three types of polystyrene latexes: a no-cross-linked core stabilized by a nonylphenolethoxylate (NP40) and two cross-linked cores stabilized by NP40 and a mixture NP40/Surfamid (a surfactant bearing an amide group). The surface of these particles has been extensively characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A maximum coverage of 94% was obtained for the high PANI content as revealed by XPS analysis. A better coverage was obtained for the cross-linked polystyrene latex stabilized by the Surfamid. The amide group of this surfactant allows the H-bonding formation with the PANI backbone and, thus, improves the conductivity. It was shown that a uniform coverage of the core particles was not required to ensure a good conductivity.
Mots clés
Atomic force microscopy
Conducting polymers
Crosslinking
Hydrogen bonds
Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP)
Monomers
Nanostructured materials
Organic polymers
Polystyrene latexes
Scanning electron microscopy
Seed latexes
Surface active agents
Synthesis (chemical)
X ray photoelectron spectroscopy