Effect of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Reinforcement on the Opto-Electronic Properties of Polyaniline/c-Si Heterojunction

Abstract

In this paper synthesis and extensive investigation of the microstructural and optoelectronic properties of polyaniline (PANI), Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) and MWCNTs reinforced PANI composites is presented. MWCNTs- PANI composites have been deposited by spin coating on silicon wafer substrate. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy shows no difference between PANI and its composites. However a change in peaks shape and absorption intensity has been observed. A strong effect of the MWCNTs weight percentage on the PANI/MWCNTs composites has been demonstrated. It was find that the thermal stability improved with increasing MWCNTs content. The optical band gap of the PANI thin films has been effectively tuned from 2.38 to 1.78 eV as the MWCNTs content increases from 5 to 15 wt.% The Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the fabricated devices shows a significant improvement in current with MWCNTs weight percentage content. It was observed a strong enhancement of composite in the conductivity as well as in the current level. The microscopic images show that the dispersion of MWCNTs into PANI leads to the formation a new conductive pathway.