Synthesis, characterization and electrical properties of poly(o-toluidine)/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

We described the synthesis of hydrochloric acid (HCl) doped poly(o-toluidine) (POT) with carboxylic groups containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (c-MWNTs) via in situ polymerization. o-Toluidine monomers were adsorbed on the surface of MWNTs and polymerized to form POT/c-MWNT composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that both the thinner fibrous phase and the larger block phase could be observed. The individual fibrous phases had diameters about 100 nm, and therefore must be the carbon nanotubes (diameter 20–30 nm) coated by a POT layer. The structure of POT/c-MWNT composites was characterized by FT-IR, UV–vis spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns. The electrical conductivities of POT/c-MWNT composites were improved relative to those of POT without c-MWNTs.