Synthesis, characterization, optical and electrical properties of nanostructured poly(aniline-co-o-bromoaniline) prepared by in-situ polymerization method

A new series of novel nanostructured poly(aniline-co-o-bromoaniline) copolymer has been synthesized by in-situ oxidative polymerization method in the presence of an anionic surfactant, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid and ammonium persulphate as an oxidant. These nanostructured copolymers are highly soluble in common organic solvents such as NMP, DMSO and DMF. The copolymers have been characterized by various techniques such as UV–visible spectra, FTIR, X-ray diffraction, surface morphology and electrical conductivity. The UV–vis spectroscopy confirms the π–π* transition and n–π* transition. FTIR characteristic peaks confirm benzenoid and quinoid ring formation of copolymers. X-ray diffraction pattern shows the amorphous nature of the copolymer and decreased particle size. SEM image reveals smooth spherical agglomerated granular structure with an average size of 100–200 nm. I–V characteristics show that the current and voltage change linearly at equal monomer concentration. The conductivity of the copolymer is found to be in the order of 10−4–10−7 S/cm. Since the conductivity value of the material is in the range of semiconductor and also due to ohmic nature, it can be used in the field of organic semiconductors.