Facile synthesis and characterization of polyaniline (PANI) - Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanocomposites by using chemical oxidative polymerization

Abstract

The study of electroactive conjugated polymers is an emerging field in material science. The nanocomposites of conjugated conducting polymers with metal oxide give rise to significant properties and applicable as smart materials in technological applications. The present paper reports the synthesis of aluminium oxide nanoparticles by chemical method, synthesis of pure PANI and PANI - Al2O3 nanocomposites by using in-situ chemical oxidative synthesis. The structural analysis was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X - ray diffraction studies. The peaks obtained in spectra validate the synthesis of desired materials. The average particle size of fabricated materials was calculated using Scherrer formula, which was found in nanometer range. The four-probe technique was used for measurement of DC conductivity of samples. The antimicrobial activity of composites was performed with disk diffusion method using Bacillus subtilis (Gram +ve bacteria) and Escherichia coli (Gram -ve bacteria).