One-dimensional composites based on single walled carbon nanotubes and poly(o-phenylenediamine)

The direct mixing of aqueous ferric chloride and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) solution at room temperature in the absence and presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been used to prepare poly(o-phenylenediamine) (POPD) micro-fibers and composites of the type CNTs/POPD having nanotubes incorporated in polymer fiber mass. Using surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy significant modifications in the low frequency range of the polymer spectrum are revealed when Au is used as metallic support. Similar variations are reported for the POPD samples prepared by the electropolymerization of OPD onto rough Au electrode. A covalent functionalization of CNTs with POPD and a doping process of POPD with radical anions of CNTs is proved by surface enhanced resonant Raman scattering and SEIRA spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicate a high crystallinity both for POPD and CNTs/POPD composites prepared by chemical or electrochemical methods. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.