Synthesis, characterization and dielectric studies of poly(1-naphthylamine)–tungsten disulphide nanocomposites

• Published in: SN applied sciences Vol. 2; no. 7; p. 1158
• Main Authors: Saidu, Femina Kanjirathamthadathil, Thomas, George Vazhathara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.07.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applications; Applied and Technical Physics; Characterization; Charge transport; Chemical synthesis; Chemistry/Food Science; Chemistry: Advanced Materials: Synthesis; Conductivity; Dielectric properties; Dispersion; Disulfides; Earth Sciences; Electrical properties; Electrostatic properties; Engineering; Environment; Interface stability; Materials Science; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Optical properties; Polymerization; Polymers; Research Article; Spectrum analysis; Thermal properties; Thermal stability; Thermodynamic properties; Tungsten; Tungsten disulfide; India; Nanocomposite; Conducting polymer; Dielectric; Inorganic graphene analogues
• ISSN: 2523-3963; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2889-7

Here, novel poly(1-naphthylamine)–tungsten disulphide (PNA–WS 2 ) nanocomposites were synthesized through an in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of 1-naphthylamine in the presence of ultrasonically dispersed WS 2 . The effect of WS 2 addition on the optoelectrical, morphological and thermal properties of PNA was studied by using different analytical tools. SEM images revealed that PNA aggregates are well supported on the dispersed WS 2 sheets. The formation of a fibrous network of PNA over the dispersed WS 2 layers evidenced from the TEM images has suggested larger surface area and better interfacial interaction between PNA and incorporated WS 2 layers . The thermal stability was improved upon the incorporation of WS 2 . Optical bandgap values of PNA–WS 2 nanocomposites were lower than that of bulk WS 2 and pristine PNA. Electrical and dielectric studies have confirmed an improvement in conductivity and dielectric properties with increasing WS 2 content, which was credited to the better charge transport between the polar backbone of PNA and charged surface of dispersed WS 2 due to enhanced interfacial area and electrostatic interactions between the components. A maximum AC conductivity of 4.4 × 10 –3 Sm −1 was displayed by nanocomposite containing 20% WS 2 loading and a further increase in WS 2 content showed a detrimental effect in electrical and dielectric properties. The present study has demonstrated that optical and dielectric properties of composites can be readily tuned by proper control of the composition and dispersion of WS 2 within the PNA matrix. Graphic abstract