Organo-montimorillonites containing a reactive thiophene group for polythiophenes nanocomposites

Abstract

A sodium montmorillonite clay (Na+MMT) was modified with different contents of a reactive salt derived from thiophene (trimethyl-(2-thiophen-3-yl-ethyl)-ammonium bromide) (TMETA). The thiophene salt in the organoclay (xtioMMT) was oxidatively polymerized in situ, giving rise to montmorillonite clay intercalated with a polythiophene salt (xpoltioMMT). Analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows a difference in organization of the salt inside the clay lamellae, before and after its polymerization. X-ray diffraction indicates that the salts, whether polymeric or not, are arranged as a monolayer for all compositions. Differently to the expected, the thermal stability of the organoclays decreases upon polymerization suggesting degradation of TMETA in the polymerization reaction.