Preparation of PANI–PVA composite film with high conductivity

The polyaniline (PANI)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) conductive composite films [doped with hydrochloride (HCl), dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (DBSA) and amino sulphonic acid (NH2SO3H) aqueous solution] were synthesised by ‘in situ’ polymerisation, and their conductivity was compared. Among these PANI–PVA composite films, HCl–PANI–PVA film possesses the highest conductivity. Meanwhile, the influences of mass ratio between PANI and PVA, acid content, oxidant content, reaction time and drying temperature of film on the conductivity of HCl–PANI–PVA film were studied. According to the result, the conductivity of HCl–PANI–PVA film is the highest, when the mass percentage of PVA is 40%, the content of HCl = 0·5 mol.L−1, the n(APS/An) = 1·0, the reaction time is 6 h and the drying temperature of the film is 80°C; the maximum conductivity of HCl–PANI–PVA film is 1600 S.m−1. At the same time, the structure and conductive mechanism of composite materials were characterised and analysed through infrared and ultraviolet spectrum and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).