Metal oxide wrapped conducting polymer nanocomposites for advanced technological applications

The conducting polymer nanocomposites have got significant interest in the area of research in material science discipline due to the unique combination of electrochemical properties, optoelectronic properties and chemical stability. Electrical and optical conductivity in conducting polymers arises from the delocalized pi electrons throughout the polymer structure. Polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy), polyindole (PIN) and polythiophene (PTh) are widely recognized conducting polymers. The poor solubility and processability limited their practicality in various applications.

The scope of applications of copolymers can be widened by solving the aforementioned paucities.  The synthesis of conducting polymer nanocomposites by the incorporation of nano-sized filler particles over the polymer matrix enhances the material properties of conducting polymers. In these hybrid materials, intimate integration of the nanofillers within the polymer matrix and their interfacial interactions lead to the significant enhancements in the thermal stability, mechanical strength, dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, gas sensing ability and photocatalytic activity.

The invited talk emphasizes on recent developments in conducting polymer-based nanocomposites, with particular emphasis on the incorporation of metal oxide nanomaterials and the role of polymer–nanofiller interactions in determining their structural, optical, electrical, dielectric, and thermal properties. The factors affecting the performance of polymer nanocomposites will be discussed. The talk will also highlight emerging applications of conducting polymer nanocomposites in flexible electronics, sensing technologies, energy-related devices, and other advanced functional materials.

In a nutshell, the talk emphasizes on development of an understanding on scientific principles, recent progress, and future prospects of conducting polymer nanocomposites, fostering further research and innovation in functional materials science.