Dielectric and AC Conductivity Studies in PPy-Ag Nanocomposites

Abstract

Polypyrrole and silver nanoparticles have been synthesized at 277 K by chemical route. Nanoparticles of polypyrrole-silver (PPy-Ag) composites were prepared by mixing polypyrrole and silver nanoparticles in different weight percentages. Dielectric properties as a function of temperature in the range from 300 K to 550 K and frequency in the range from 50 Hz to 1 MHz have been measured. Dielectric constant decreased with increase in frequency and temperature. Dielectric loss decreased with increase in frequency and increased with increase in temperature. Using dielectric data AC conductivity has been determined. Conductivity was found to be in the order of 10−3 (Ω−1 m−1) and it increased with increase in temperature. Temperature variation of conductivity data has been analyzed in the light of Mott’s polaron hopping model. Activation energy for conduction has been determined. Activation energy was determined to be in the order of meV and it has increased with increase in frequency and Ag nanoparticles content. This is the first time that PPy-Ag nanocomposites have been investigated for dielectric properties and AC conductivity and data analyzed thoroughly.