Synthesis and characterization of hybrid nanocomposites of polypyrrole filled with iron oxide nanoparticles

• We describe a novel and facile route for preparation of PPy/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites.
• Nanostructured PPy/α-Fe2O3 thin films were prepared by spin coating.
• The surface of PPy/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites is smooth.

Hybrid polypyrrole (PPy)/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite films were fabricated by spin coating on a glass substrate. X-Ray diffraction analysis revealed the crystalline structure of α-Fe2O3 nanostructures and the nanocomposites. The broad PPy peak weakened in intensity as the α-Fe2O3 content increased in PPy/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites. Characteristic Fourier-transform IR peaks for pure PPy shifted to higher wavenumbers on addition of α-Fe2O3 to PPy/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites. This can be attributed to better conjugation and interactions between PPy and α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy images of the nanocomposites reveal a uniform distribution of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the PPy matrix. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy revealed a blue shift from λmax= 441 nm for PPy to λmax= 392 nm for PPy/α-Fe2O3, reflecting strong interactions between PPy and α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The room-temperature dc electrical conductivity increased from 4.33×10−9 to 1.81×10−8 S/cm as the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle content increased from 10 to 50 wt.% in PPy/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites.

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