Hybrid polyaniline–TiO2 nanocomposite Langmuir–Blodgett thin films: Self‐assembly and their characterization

Polyaniline (PANi)–titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposite materials were prepared by chemical polymerization of aniline doped with TiO₂ nanoparticles. Surface pressure–area (π‐A) isotherms of these nanocomposites show phase transformations in the monolayer during compression process. Multiple isotherms indicate that the monolayer of the nanocomposite material can retain its configuration during compression‐expansion cycles. Langmuir–Blodgett thin films of PANi–TiO₂ nanocomposite were deposited on the quartz and indium tin oxide coated conducting glass substrates. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy study indicates the presence of TiO₂ in PANi, whereas X‐ray Diffraction study confirmed the anatase phase of TiO₂ and particle size (～nm) of PANi–TiO₂. The morphology of Langmuir–Blodgett films of these nanocomposites was also characterized by atomic force microscopy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41386.