Nanocomposites based on exfoliated NbWO6 nanosheets and ionic polyacetylenes

Nanocomposites based on exfoliated NbWO6 nanosheets and poly (N-methyl-2-ethynyl pyridinium iodide) (PNMe) or poly (N-octadecyl-2-ethynyl pyridinium bromide) (PNO) have been synthesized by exfoliation–reflocculation method. The XRD data of the NbWO6:PNMe nanocomposite indicates the formation of NbWO6/PNMe nanostructure with an interlayer expansion of 2.16 nm along the stacking direction of NbWO6 nanosheets. Whereas, the XRD data of the PNO:NbWO6 nanocomposite indicates the formation of NbWO6/PNO nanostructure with an interlayer expansion of 4.6 nm along the stacking direction of NbWO6 nanosheets. Formation of these nanocomposites is further supported by the results obtained by FT-IR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetry. The values of electrical conductivity of the polymers and nanocomposites were also measured.