Polymerisation of Protonic Polyaniline/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Manganese Dioxide Nanocomposites

This study reports the synthesis and characterisation of a ternary nanocomposite of polyaniline (PANI), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and manganese dioxide (MnO2). MnO2 successfully filled the cavities between the MWCNTs. In situ polymerisation of aniline in the presence of MWCNTs-MnO2 was done to form a ternary nanocomposite. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrum shows that MnO2 filling does not significantly change the electronic transition of the nanocomposite. The infra-red (IR) spectrum shows that the nanocomposite is rich in quinoid rings of PANI. Electron microscopy reveals the MnO2 filling and coating of PANI. The ternary nanocomposite showed high electron conductivity compared to neat PANI and PANI/ MWCNTs without MnO2