Sulfonated polyaniline–titanium dioxide nanocomposites synthesized by one-pot UV-curable polymerization method

Sulfonated polyaniline–titanium dioxide (SPAni–TiO₂) hybrid composites have been synthesized by using a new strategy in one-pot system of UV-cured polymerization method. Aqueous solution of aniline and orthoanilinic acid comonomers, a free-radical oxidant and titania precursor were irradiated by UV rays. Hydrolysis and reprecipitation of the titania precursor in aqueous aniline and orthoanilic acid lead to the formation of titanium dioxide particles which in turn catalyze oxidation of comonomers to sulfonated polyaniline. The resultant SPAni–TiO₂ composites were characterized by using different spectroscopy analyses like X-ray diffraction, UV–visible (UV–vis) and infrared spectroscopy. The UV–vis absorption bands revealed that SPAni–TiO₂ nanocomposites are optically active and the blue-shifted peaks due to the presence of titania within the SPAni matrix. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of the nanocomposite showed a uniform size distribution with spherical and granular morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the SPAni–TiO₂ composites have a good thermal stability than the pristine SPAni.