Synthesis of polythiophene/graphene oxide composites by interfacial polymerization and evaluation of their electrical and electrochemical properties

We report a new method for the synthesis of polythiophene (PTh)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites by interfacial polymerization. Polymerization occurred at the interface of two immiscible solvents, i.e. n-hexane containing thiophene and nitromethane containing GO and an initiator. Characterizations were done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrochemical and electrical conductivity measurements. Spectroscopic analyses showed successful incorporation of GO in the PTh matrix. Morphological analysis revealed good dispersion of GO sheets in the polymer matrix. The PTh/GO composites showed marked improvements in thermal stability and electrical conductivity (2.7x10(-4)Scm(-1)) compared to pure PTh. The composites exhibited excellent electrochemical reversibility compared to pure PTh at a scan rate of 0.1Vs(-1). The composites were stable even up to 100 electrochemical cycles, indicating good cycle performance. The specific capacitance of the composites was calculated using cyclic voltammetry and was found to be 99Fg(-1). (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry