A Comparative Analysis of Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Polyaniline/Ferrite (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) Composite

Abstract

In this study, PANI, PANI/MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) composites were studied. Polyaniline and their composites with ferrites were prepared via chemical oxidation method. Ferrites were synthesized through co-precipitation method. Structural properties were investigated using X-Ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) respectively. Pure ferrites were found to be of crystalline nature, whereas composites are found to be semi crystalline in nature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the formation of all the synthesized composites. The optical band gap of composites is reducing as compared to Pure PANI (1.7 eV), which is in agreement with already reported work. The inclusions of ferrites particles have caused an enhancement in electrical conductivity of pure PANI. Conduction mechanism observed from Nyquist plots of composites is found to involve both grain as well as grain boundaries. The transition metal spinel ferrites have enhanced the optical and electric properties of PANI to a great extent, making them promising materials for different applications.