Structural, magnetic, and electrochemical properties of poly(o-anisidine)/maghemite thin films

Electrodeposition of semiconducting poly(o-anisidine)/γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) thin films was carried out using an aqueous alkaline medium containing ferrous sulphate and o-anisidine. Potentiostatic composite deposition was made at 55 °C. X-ray diffraction and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of iron oxide (maghemite), o-anisidine, and chemical interaction between the components. The magnetic characterization of the resulting composite indicated a magnetically ordered state for the polymer/maghemite composite. Mössbauer characterization suggested the formation of nanoparticulate γ-Fe2O3 clusters. Cyclic voltammetry evidenced electroactivity with characteristic peaks of a conducting polymer as well as the presence of γ-Fe2O3.