Exploring the charge transport mechanism, electrical conductivity, and dielectric properties of polyaniline/tin sulfide nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to investigate the electric, dielectric poperies, and the charge transport mechanism in Polyaniline/Tin disulfide (PANI/SnS 2 ) nanocomposites. SnS 2 nanoflowers were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and were utilized to synthesize PANI/SnS 2 nanocomposites by in‐situ polymerization of the aniline. PANI/SnS 2 nanocomposites were composed of hexagonal nanoflowers and amorphous PANI. The charge transport mechanism was investigated by using DC and AC conductivities. DC conductivity increased and reached a maximum value at 5 wt. % sample and then it decreased indicating the percolation effect. To understand the charge transfer mechanism in the PANI/SnS 2 composites, AC conductivity, dielectric properties, and impedance characteristics were investigated in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 2 MHz. PANI/SnS 2 nanocomposites follow Jonscher's Power Law of disordered materials with an exponent value ranging from 0.8 to 0.9. The Havriliak – Negami model confirmed that the samples display a non‐Debye relaxation mechanism. The dielectric constant value increases with an increase in the SnS 2 content. These enhanced properties of PANI/SnS 2 nanocomposites suggest that the proposed PANI/SnS 2 nanocomposites are the potential materials for multifunctional applications, especially in nano‐electronic devices. Highlights Hydrothermal synthesis of SnS 2 Nano flowers. SnS 2 /PANI composites were synthesized by the in situ polymerization method. The DC conductivity of 5 wt. % sample shows Percolation threshold. Jonscher's & Havriliak–Negami fittings suggest non‐Debye dielectric relaxation. Charge transfer mechanisms in the composites were studied using Nyquist plots.