Synthesis of HCl doped polyaniline–CdS nanocomposite by use of organometallic cadmium precursor

HCl doped conducting polyaniline–CdS nanocomposite (PAni.HCl:CdS) has been prepared by via organometallic method in which dimethyl cadmium has been used as a source for cadmium. UV–vis absorption spectra of PAni.HCl:CdS nanocomposite showed λ(max) at about 450–460 nm in addition to the bands at ∼320 and ∼600 nm due to polyaniline. The band at about ∼830 nm due to PAni.HCl decreased in intensity with increasing CdS ratio. The absorption band at ∼455 nm, slightly overlapped with the host absorption, is considered to be due to nanosized CdS particles. The greenish-black composite powder showed flaky morphology under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement showed broad pattern for hexagonal CdS with variation in particle diameter depending on the ratio between CdS and HCl doped polyaniline. The composite powder showed loss of conductivity with increasing CdS ratio with respect to polyaniline.