Spectroscopic and electrical properties of polyaniline/CeO2 composites and their application as humidity sensor

Abstract

Polyaniline/CeO2 composites were synthesized by in situ chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. This is the single step polymerization process for the direct synthesis of emeraldine salt phase of polymer. The polymers were characterized by using FTIR spectral analysis, SEM, and XRD studies. Formation of conducting emeraldine salt phase is confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. High temperature conductivity measurements show "thermal activated behavior." The change in resistance with respect to percentage relative humidity (% RH) is observed, when the pressed pellets of the polymer were exposed to the broad range of humidity (humidity ranging between 10 and 95% RH). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.