Structural and microwave dielectric properties of ferroelectric poly(vinylidene difluoride)–polyaniline composite thin films

Nano composites of poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF)–polyaniline (PANI) were prepared by spin coating method. Also, the influence of PANI doping (20, 30 and 40% by weight) on the microwave dielectric parameters was investigated. The structural aspects of samples were studied by atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Dielectric properties of PVDF:PANI composites were characterized as a function of composition and frequency. The microwave dielectric constant increased smoothly with an increase in the concentration of PANI. Moreover, when the PANI content reaches 40 wt.%, there is a transition from an insulator to semiconductor.

► Poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) films show an array of disk-shaped nanomesas.
► The incorporation of polyaniline (PANI) into PVDF improves crystallization.
► Indium tin oxide/PVDF:ANI/n-Si structures have a p–n junction-like behavior.
► Al/PVDF:PANI/n-Si structures show an asymmetric recovery of capacitance.