Synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/titanium dioxide nanocomposites in the presence of surfactants and their properties

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/titanium dioxide (PEDOT/TiO2) nanocomposites and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) homopolymers were synthesized chemically in the presence of anionic (sodium dodecylsulfate, SDS) and cationic (tetradecyltrimethylammoniumbromide, TTAB) surfactants. The effect of surfactant on structural and morphological properties of the nanocomposites was investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), four-probe conductivity measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. It was observed from SEM study that the nanocomposites show globular particle structure with different particle size. The PEDOT/TiO2 nanocomposite has higher conductivity than that of pure PEDOT homopolymer. The presence of surfactant during PEDOT/TiO2 nanocomposites synthesis influenced thermal stability of the prepared samples.

► PEDOT and PEDOT/TiO2 materials were prepared in the presence of surfactant.
► We examine surfactant effect onto properties of PEDOT and PEDOT/TiO2 materials.
► When the surfactant is added, the morphology and thermal properties obtain better.
► But the conductivity value of materials prepared with surfactant decrease.