Structural, photoconductivity, and dielectric studies of polythiophene-tin oxide nanocomposites

• Synthesis of polythiophene-tin oxide nanocomposites confirmed by FTIR and EDAX.
• SEM shows SnO2 nanoparticles embedded within polythiophene matrix.
• Stability and isoelectric point suggest nanoparticle–matrix interaction.
• High dielectric constant due to high Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization.

Polythiophene-tinoxide (PT-SnO2) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization, in the presence of various concentrations of SnO2 nanoparticles. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Zeta potential measurements. Morphologies and elemental compositions were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The photoconductivity of the nanocomposites was studied by field-dependent dark and photo conductivity measurements. Their dielectric properties were investigated using dielectric spectroscopy, in the frequency range of 1kHz–1 MHz. The results indicated that the SnO2 nanoparticles in the PT-SnO2 nanocomposite were responsible for its enhanced dielectric performance.

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