Conduction mechanisms in P(VDF-TrFE)/gold nanowire composites: Tunnelling and thermally-activated hopping process near the percolation threshold

Abstract

High-aspect ratio gold nanowires were dispersed in a P(VDF-TrFE) matrix to form conducting polymer composites. The composites were found to follow a percolation law, with a low percolation threshold of 2.2%vol and attaining a conductivity value of 100 Sm1. The temperature and frequency dependence of the composites were studied using broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Tunnelling was found to be the main charge transport mechanism at temperatures below100 °Cand a thermallyactivated hopping mechanism was determined to be responsible for conduction at temperatures above100 °C. The correlated barrier hopping model was found to be the best fit to explain the conduction mechanisms in the composites.