Facile synthesis of highly conductive polyaniline/graphite nanocomposites

A facile process for the synthesis of exfoliated graphite and polyaniline/graphite (PANI/graphite) nanocomposite was developed. Graphite nanosheets were prepared via the microwave irradiation and sonication from synthesized expandable graphite. The nanocomposites were fabricated via in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of graphite nanosheets. The nanoscale dispersion of graphite sheets was evidenced by the SEM and TEM examinations. According to the electrical conductivity test, the conductivity of the final PANI/graphite nanocomposites were dramatically increased compared with pristine PANI. From the thermogravimetric analysis, the introduction of graphite exhibits a beneficial effect on the thermal stability of PANI. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.