Recently, polymer matrix-based nanocomposites have become a prominent area of current research and development in optics, optoelectronic, biomedical, electrical and electronic applications. Organic polymer-based electronic devices offer the potential for lower cost and more flexible manufacture but need significant improvements in both efficiency and long-term stability. Therefore, we have made an attempt to synthesize polyaniline (PANI)–zinc oxide (ZnO) using chemical and emulsion polymerization techniques. The properties of ZnO–PANI films were then systematically characterized with several physical techniques. The electrochemical investigations revealed that the individual redox properties of ZnO and PANI can be maintained in a nanocomposite ZnO–PANI system. Further, results indicated that ZnO–PANI films could exhibit a wide potential window. Moreover, we have observed the formation of a single-layer nano-Schottky junction in the ZnO–PANI film, and interesting positive temperature coefficient properties in ZnO–PANI.
- Farah Alvi
- Manoj K Ram
- Ashok Kumar