Facial synthesis of highly active polymer vanadium molybdate nanocomposite: Improved thermoelectric and antimicrobial studies

Abstract In this study, a novel poly(o-toluidine)V(III)molybdate (POT-V(III)MoO 4 ) nanocomposite was prepared using a simple sol–gel strategy. The in situ polymerization of ortho-toluidine in the V(III)MoO 4 framework was achieved by oxidation with ammonium persulfate. The material obtained was characterized by various techniques comprising scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Dielectric and AC conductivity studies were conducted to determine the physicochemical state of POT-V(III)MoO 4 . The dielectric parameters e ′, e ″, tanδ, and σAC change with the capacity. The relationships between the dielectric properties e ′, e ″, tan δ, and AC conductivity (σAC) with the recurrence showed that the scattering was due to the Maxwell–Wagner type of interfacial polarization. Antibacterial tests of POT-V(III)MoO 4 were performed using Gram-positive ( Enterococcus faecalis ) and Gram-negative ( Serratia marcescens ) bacteria, and the results indicated its excellent antimicrobial activity against both bacterial strains. Assessments of the antimicrobial activities in a liquid medium and on the solid surface of growth medium showed that a bacterial inhibition zone developed, and POT-V(III)MoO 4 was more effective compared with the standard drug amoxicillin.