Polythiophene Nanocomposite: Synthesis and Application

Nanocomposite of polythiophene/poly(vinyl chloride) (PTh/PVC) was prepared successfully in aqueous media and the capability to removal of zinc cation (Zn(II)) from aqueous solution was studied. This nanocomposite was prepared by the chemical polymerization of thiophene using anhydrous iron chloride as an oxidant. The removal of Zn(II) was compared using anthracite, activated carbon and PTh/PVC nanocomposite. The chemical structure, morphology, thermal stability and thermal degradation of these nanocomposites were studied by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The result indicate PTh/PVC nanocomposite have high effect in removing zinc cation from aqueous media in comparison with activated carbon and anthracite as adsorbents