A route for the synthesis of polyaniline-based hybrid nanocomposites

In this study, we present a new method of metal incorporation into polyaniline (PANI) nanostructures based on the use of palladium/tin colloidal solutions. This method allows controlling the size of metal particles inserted into the polymer matrix. The preparation of the PANI/Pd–Sn nanocomposites is done either with the in situ method by the addition of colloids during polymerization or with the ex situ one by incorporation of colloids after polymerization. The results show that the in situ addition of Pd/Sn colloids affects mainly the morphology of the nanostructures by increasing their surface area, whereas their ex situ incorporation affects mainly the doping level of the nanostructures by increasing the concentration of positively charged nitrogen atoms in the polymer matrix. This work is supported by analysis techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy.