One-pot synthesis of Polyindole–Au nanocomposite and its nanoscale electrical properties

Nanosized gold (Au) and polyindole (PIn) composite was prepared via in-situ polymerization of indole, using metal salt chloro-auric acid as an oxidant, in a microemulsion system. The oxidization of indole and the reduction of Au3+ ions occurred simultaneously in a single step, which resulted in a core shell structure having a coating of polyindole over monodispersed, size-controlled, highly populated, and stable gold nanoparticles. Indole polymerization governed by chloro-auric acid, was monitored using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Nanoscale electrical characterization of polyindole nanocomposite was performed using current-sensing atomic force microscopy. The investigated properties of the composite proved its enormous potential in electronic applications and fabrication of nanoscale organic devices.

► Nanocomposites of polyindole with gold nanoparticles formed in one single step. ► Core-shell morphology with uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles. ► Nanocomposite formed nano-schottky junction with Al metal. ► Enormous potential towards use in organic electronic devices.