Analysis of Structural, Morphological and Optical Characteristics of Protonic Acids Doped Polyaniline For VOC Sensing Application

In the recent years, research on synthesis of conducting polymer nanocomposites has gained momentum due to its numerous applications in designing of sensors. The commonly used material is polyaniline and its composites. Here we report the synthesis of polyaniline nanocomposite featuring a combination of sheet-shaped and fiber like morphology using in situ chemical polymerization method. Hydrochloric acid $(\mathbf{H C l})$ and nitric acid $\left(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}\right.$) are used as doping agents. By scanning electron microscope (SEM) the surface morphology of synthesized polymer nano-composites were analysed The structural features of polymer nanocomposites were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which revealed the creation of emeraldine salt of PAni in acidic medium. The absorption kinetics of the polymer nano-composites were studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The conductivity of Polyaniline doped with HCl is higher compare to the polyaniline doped with HNO
3
hence it is found to be more suitable for sensing application.