Temperature dependent dc and ac electrical transport properties of the composite of a polyaniline nanorod with copper chloride

We have prepared the composite of polyaniline nanorods with copper chloride by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Introduction of copper chloride in polyaniline significantly increases the conductivity of the nanocomposite. Temperature dependence of resistivity for our sample is best fitted with the quasi-one-dimensional hopping model and also the tunneling model. Negative magnetoconductivity is obtained for the samples at room temperature. Temperature variation of ac conductivity can be explained in terms of correlated barrier hopping model. Frequency dependence of the real part of impedance is explained by the Maxwell–Wagner capacitor model. Two activation behaviors are observed from the analysis of grain and grain boundary contributions.

Research highlights
► Polyaniline nanorods prepared from reverse micelles of AOT and hexane.
► Presence of copper chloride in polyaniline increases the conductivity.
► Temperature dependent resistivity follows one-dimensional hopping, tunneling model.
► Ac conductivity follows correlated barrier hopping transport mechanism.
► Conductivity depends on magnetic field, negative magnetoconductivity is obtained.