Nanocomposites and nanomaterials

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon-based nanocomposite for gas sensing 
I.B. Olenych1, O.I. Aksimentyeva1, B.R. Tsizh2,3, Yu.Yu. Horbenko1, Yu.I. Olenych1, I.D. Karbovnyk1
1 Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, 50 Dragomanov Str., Lviv-79005, Ukraine. E-mail: iolenych@gmail.com
2 Stepan Gzytsky Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, 50 Pekarska str., Lviv-79010, Ukraine
3 Kazimierz Wielki University, 30 Chodkiewicza str., 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland

Hybrid materials based on conductive polymers reinforced with carbon nanoclasters are in the focus of increased attention as nanocomposites for gas sensing and electronics applications [1,2]. The conjugated polymers reveal electrical conductivity in the doped state whereas remain insulators in undoped state. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxytiophene) abbreviated hereafter as PEDOT has a capability to be doped not only by donor or acceptor elements but also by gas molecules, therefore allowing to use it in sensors. Incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) acting as dopants in conjugated polymers can give a possibility to use redox properties of the PEDOT and thereby improve its sensibility. 
In this work the PEDOT/CNT/RGO films were manufactured in order to study their electrical and gas sensing properties. The charge transport in obtained organic-inorganic nanocomposites was studied in DC and AC modes. It was found that the electrical characteristics of the PEDOT/CNT/RGO thin films were strongly dependent on content of the nanocomposite and the surrounding atmosphere. In particular, an increase in the content of carbon nanoparticles caused a decrease in the internal resistance of hybrid films. To estimate the sensory properties of the PEDOT/CNT/RGO nanocomposite its adsorption sensitivity to ammonia and moisture action was analyzed. 

1.	Olenych I.B., Aksimentyeva O.I., Monastyrskii L.S., Horbenko Yu.Yu., Yarytska L.I. Sensory properties of hybrid composites based on PEDOT-porous silicon-carbon nanotubes // Nanoscale Res Lett.-2015.-10.-272. 
2.	Francis R., Joy N., Aparna P., Vijayan R. Polymer grafted inorganic nanoparticles, preparation, properties, and applications: A review // Polymer Rev.-2014.-54.-268.