Optical and electrical characterizations of ZnS nanoparticles embedded in conducting polymer

ZnS nanoparticles of average size (5 nm) have been prepared using thioglycerol. Inorganic–organic hybrid nanocomposites have been synthesized by dispersing nanosized ZnS in the conducting polyaniline matrix. The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The wavelength of optical absorption peak of ZnS nanoparticle increases from 270 to 330 nm with the decrease of polyaniline concentration. Studies on direct current (DC) electrical conductivity as a function of temperature suggest that three-dimensional Mott’s hopping process occurs in ZnS–polyaniline nanocomposites. The correlated barrier hopping is confirmed from temperature dependent alternating current (AC) conductivity. The incorporation of ZnS nanoparticles enhances the barrier height.