Influence of substituents in electrochemical and conducting properties of polyaniline derivatives and multi walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Poly(o-methoxyaniline) and poly(o-methylaniline) were synthesized by oxidative polymerization in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) for the fabrication of chloroform processable nanocomposites obtained by embedding MWNT in the polymer matrix without the formation of covalent bonds. The study of pressure–area isotherms highlighted different substituents along the aromatic rings affected the packing grade of macromolecules when spreading on different subphases in relation to the associated sterical hindrance. The presence of MWNT inside the polymer matrix showed to favor a more stretched conformation of macromolecules with a subsequent increment of area/molecule values with respect to the corresponding pure conducting polymers. Furthermore, the sterical hindrance affected the nanocomposite electrochemical properties and conducting polymers containing less hindering substituents along the aromatic rings turned out to be faster electrochemical systems. Less hindering substituents were also able to enhance the conducting properties of nanocomposite materials in association with MWNT.

► Polyanilines and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) nanocomposites syntheses ► Study of polymers conformational changes occurring on doping ► Study of variations in nanocomposites electrochemical and conducting properties ► Sterical hindrance and MWNT in the polymer matrix affected final properties