MnO(2)-filled multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyaniline nanocomposites with enhanced interfacial interaction and electronic properties

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of new ternary nanocomposites combining polyaniline (PANI), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and manganese dioxide (MnO(2)). MnO(2) was successfully incorporated within the MWCNTs. In situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of MWCNTs-MnO(2) was carried out to form PANI/MWCNT-MnO(2) nanocomposites, which were characterized by UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as electrical conductivity measurements. The PANI/MWCNT-MnO(2) nanocomposites showed enhanced electrical conductivity compared to neat PANI and PANI/MWCNTs without MnO(2) addition.