Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid micelles assisted in situ preparation and enhanced thermoelectric performance of semiconducting polyaniline–zirconium oxide nanocomposites

Herein, we report in situ preparation of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) micelles assisted polyaniline (Pani)/zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanocomposites (Pani/ZrO2) by using K2S2O8 as an oxidizing agent. Thus prepared nanocomposites were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD and UV–vis spectrophotometry. DBSA acted as dopant/surfactant, and the incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles improved the stability, electrical and thermal properties of nanocomposites. From the results of UV–vis absorbance it was observed that Pani/ZrO2 nanocomposite was more stabilized under UV light than Pani. DC electrical conductivity retention was studied by isothermal and cyclic ageing techniques and was observed to be better than Pani under ambient environmental conditions.