Preparation of Nanocomposites by Intercalation and in Situ Polymerization of Aniline in a Layered Transition Metal Oxide : Study of their Microstructural and Optical Properties

Abstract

Intercalation is a novel chemical route to synthesize nanosized materials within the interlayer spaces. In the present investigation conducting polyaniline (PANI) was intercalated in the interlamellar space of layered hydrated vanadyl phosphate, VOPO₄.2H₂O. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The amount of water decreases with the increase in PANI concentration. Plate like layered structures are observed for pristine VOPO₄.2H₂O as wel as intercalated nanocomposites. Formation of the nanocomposites and interaction of PANI with vanadyl phosphate are observed in FTIR and UV absorption spectroscopy. The optical band gap of vanadyl phosphate is reduced due to intercalation of polyaniline.