Conducting Molecular Multilayers: Intercalation of Conjugated Polymers in Layered Media

Abstract

ABSTRACTPolyaniline has been synthesized in the galleries of fluorohectorite, a two-dimensional mica-type layered silicate. Intercalation of aniline in the intracrystalline region of Cu-exchanged fluorohectorite results in oxidative polymerization to polyaniline (emeraldine base form) as demonstrated by electronic, infrared and Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction data. The intercalated insulating form of polyaniline becomes conducting on exposure to HCl. In-plane electrical conductivity data measured in the temperature range 274 to 573 K show a complex thermally activated behavior with room temperature conductivity 0.05 Ohm−1cm−1. The polyaniline/layered silicate hybrids represent a new class of nanocomposites consisting of synthetic conductors with molecular dimensions contained in a quasi twodimensional environment of a crystalline host.