Surface area and conductivity of polyaniline synthesized under UV irradiation

This paper reports our study on the synthesis of high electrical conductivity and surface area polyaniline using oxidative polymerization under UV light irradiation. The formation of emeraldine structures of polyaniline was revealed by major absorption bands of FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra attributed to C-N stretching, C=C stretching in the benzenoid ring, C=C stretching in the quinoid ring and QNH+B stretching. XRD (X-ray diffractometer) measurements confirmed typical diffraction patterns with a crystallinity of 13% and 16% for polyaniline prepared under non-stirred and stirred reaction, respectively. SEM (Scanning electron microscope) studies showed more uniform morphology of polyaniline was obtained with stirring reaction process compare to those prepared without stirring. Surface analysis using SAA (surface area analyzer) showed that pure polyaniline with the relatively high surface area of ca.28 m2/g was successfully prepared in this work. Based on four point probe measurement, the prepared polyaniline possesses high conductivity which is important in electrode application.