Studies on Structural, Morphological, Electrical, and Gas Sensing Properties of the Polyaniline/Manganese Dioxide (PANI/MnO2) Composites

Abstract

Objectives: To synthesize the pure PANI and PANI/MnO2 composites from the reaction of aniline monomer polymerization with manganese oxide (MnO2) particles. Methods: The structural, morphological, and electrical conductivity investigation of pure PANI and composites was done with powder XRD, SEM, and Impedance spectra; Ammonium persulfate was used as an oxidant. The temperature-dependent DC conductivity of samples is studied in the temperature range of 30°C to 200°C. The AC electrical conductivity of the prepared composites from impedance spectroscopy was carried out and compared with pure materials. The AC conductivity of prepared composites has been analyzed as a function of frequency. Findings: It has been successfully prepared by in situ polymerization. XRD results of the PANI/MnO2 composites reveal that the crystalline structure is converted into a very less crystalline structure due to the incorporation of MnO2 which is inside the PANI chain. The structural, morphological and conductivity of the composites remain relative to changes with respect to the weight percentage of MnO2. The AC conductivity of composites varies depending upon a change of logarithmic frequency. On exposure to LPG gas, variation in resistance and response of the composites was observed. Novelty: All the samples were prepared and investigated the method of in-situ chemically polymerization mechanism. Keywords: Manganese oxide, Polyaniline, XRD, SEM, AC, DC, Electrical properties, LPG