High sensitivity and selectivity of LPG gas by three dimensional molecular ordered polyaniline/CeO2 nanocomposites

Abstract

Three dimensional molecular ordered PANI-CeO2 nanocomposites were prepared by template method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR and XRD for structural study and by SEM and TEM for surface morphology. FTIR spectra show the important characteristic peaks which confirm the formation of nanocomposites. From XRD pattern, it is observed that even after formation of nanocomposites the fluorite crystal structure of cerium oxide is retained in it. SEM and TEM show hollow inverse opal structures of PANI-CeO2 nanocomposites, where the atoms are arranged in the three dimensional molecular order that significantly improves the trapping of gas molecules in to the matrix. DC conductivity is found to increase with increase in temperature and CeO2 content in the polyaniline. Among all composites, 30 wt% shows highest conductivity of 1.1 S/cm which is due to the hopping of polarons and bipolarons. Further, the sensor study is carried out by using indigenous sensor set up and it is found that 30 wt% composite shows high sensitivity and selectivity compared to other composites. The reproducibility plot shows good sensitivity and reproducibility of nanocomposites even after 60 days. Copyright © 2016 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.