Electrical investigations of polyaniline/sulfonated polystyrene composites using broadband dielectric spectroscopy

• The obtained composites are more thermally stable than pure polyaniline.
• Charge carriers density and mobility increase remarkable by polyaniline addition.
• Mobility is highly dependent on the annealing process.
• Mobility plays the main role in the conductivity mechanism of these composites.

Composites of polyaniline (PAni)/polystyrene sulfonic acid were prepared in different ratios using in-situ polymerization method. Characterization of the formed composites’ structures was performed using FTIR, XRD, UV–vis also their thermal stability was investigated. Extensive study for the dynamic relaxation and charge transport mechanisms of the prepared composites was carried out by broadband dielectric spectrometer (BDS). Dielectric measurements illustrate the effect of annealing on the conductivity mechanism of the composites. The moisture enhances the conductivity abruptly when the atmosphere is ambient air. The unusual behavior was explained as an effect of the water molecules in the composites that behaves like bridges. On the other hand, the parameter playing the main role in the charge transport (conductivity) was found to be the mobility rather than the charge carrier’s density. The obtained results indicate the possibility of commercial utility of the prepared composites as anti-static packaging, anticorrosion shielding or as semi-conductors.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide