Synthesis and characterization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/ Montmorillonite nanocomposites using surfactants modified clay

Nanocomposites of Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and surfactant modified Maghnite clay have been successfully synthesized by in situ polymerization of EDOT monomer in the interlayer space of the organoclay. The synthesis has been assisted by ultrasonic method to improve the dispersion of PEDOT polymer between the Maghnite clay sheets. The surfactant modified clay is synthesized via cation exchange method with Hydrogenure Tetrabutylammonuim (TBAHS) and cetyltrimethylammonium (CTAB). Two types of organo-modified clays are obtained namely the Mag-TBA and Mag-CTA according to the template used. Various physico-chemical techniques are used for nanocomposites characterization such as XRD, FTIR, AFM, TGA/DTA, SEM and TEM. The results prove the formation of intercalated / exfoliated upon increasing the content of organoclay in the nanocomposites , consequently, different morphologies and structures in which the exfoliated and intercalated forms were obtained. Both nanocomposites display significant enhancement in the thermal stabilities compared to the PEDOT polymer. However, a decrease in conductivity values is observed for all samples compared to pure conducting polymer. This feature can be improved in view of desired application in electrochemical devices.