Synthesis, spectral analysis, and catalytic activity of poly(aniline‐co‐congored)–metal oxide nanocomposites

ABSTRACT Electrically conducting, water‐soluble fluorescent copolymer nanocomposites were synthesized by a solution polymerization method under different experimental conditions in the presence of CuO and V2O5 nanoparticles. The prepared copolymer nanocomposites were characterized with analytical tools, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The order of copolymerization was determined on the basis of the UV–vis absorption spectra and fluorescence emission spectra. The copolymer–CuO nanocomposite system exhibited the highest electrical conductivity. The scanning electron microscopy image showed the presence of more CuO nanoparticles on the surface of the copolymer. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the copolymer nanocomposites was tested for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol. All three types of polymer systems exhibited almost the same apparent rate constant values. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46469.