Polyaniline composite by in situ polymerization on a swollen PVA gel

Interpenetrating polyaniline (PANI) formation in a 3D network of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel was developed. Polymerization was effected by immersing swollen PVA hydrogel previously soaked with ammonium persulfate (APS) in 1 M HCl solution of aniline hydrochloride (AnHCl). Gradual transformation of the swollen gel from colorless transparent gel to an opaque green color indicated the formation of PANI emeraldine salt (ES) on the surface and bulk of the PVA gel matrix. Characterization by UV–vis spectra, ATR-FTIR spectra and X-ray diffraction analyses supported the formation of PANI–PVA composite film. The surface morphology of the film was studied by FESEM. Electrical conductivity of the film was measured by four-probe method.