A study on the DC conductivity and thermoelectric properties of carbon nanotubes based Polyaniline composites

A series of nano composites containing multi-walled carbon nano tubes (CNT) and Polyaniline (PANI) has been prepared by in situ polymerisation process using Ammonium persulphate(APS) as oxidant and HCl as the dopant and by static interfacial method. Both neat and functionalised CNTs were used for preparing the composites. The morphology was studied using SEM. The composite powder was pressed into pellets and the DC conductivity, thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured. The results showed that the nanocomposites had a core shell structure. The structure and uniformity of PANI coating over CNT core depended on functionalisation of CNTs and type of polymerisation process. Electrical and thermo electrical studies showed simultaneous increase in these properties for composites prepared by interfacial polymerisation and using functionalised nano tubes.