Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2017) 132: 290
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2017-11562-1

Regular Article

Enhanced structural and optical properties of the polyaniline-calcium tungstate (PANI-CaWO₄ nanocomposite for electronics applications

¹ Nanoscience Research Centre, Department of Physics, Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, 686 661, Kerala, India
² Department of Physics, Newman College, Thodupuzha, 685 585, Kerala, India
³ Department of Physics, Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam, 686 666, Kerala, India
⁴ Department of Physics, Vimala College, Thrissur, 680 009, Kerala, India
⁵ Department of Optoelectronics, University of Kerala, Trivandrum, 695 581, Kerala, India

^* e-mail: nanoncm@gmail.com

Received: 12 February 2017
Accepted: 18 May 2017
Published online: 30 June 2017

Abstract

In this article, we report the synthesis and characterization of polyaniline-calcium tungstate nanocomposite, a novel material for potential applications. The PANI-CaWO₄ nanocomposite was prepared by in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of CaWO₄ nanoparticles dispersed in ethanol. Investigations using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the nanocomposite of PANI with CaWO₄ nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed almost uniform distribution of CaWO₄ nanoparticles in the polyaniline matrix. These studies also confirmed electronic structure modification as a result of incorporating CaWO₄ nanoparticles in PANI. Composite formation resulted in large decrease in the optical band gap and enhanced photoluminescence. The augmented structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of the PANI-CaWO₄ nanocomposite can be used to explore potential applications in micro- and optoelectronics. This is the first report presenting synthesis and characterization of the PANI-CaWO₄ nanocomposite.