Improved stability and dispersity of ZnO@PANI nanocomposites aqueous suspension

The high dispersion and stability of a nanocomposites suspension are required as a crucial factor in many of their applications. In this study, ZnO nanosheets covered with polyaniline (PANI) thin layer (ZnO@PANI) were synthesized by a simple in-situ polymerization. The as-prepared ZnO@PANI powders were well characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR, XPS and photoluminescence spectra, as well as SEM and TEM techniques. The effect of PANI incorporation on the chemical dissolution and dispersing stability of ZnO aqueous suspension was investigated. Dissolution experiments showed that the dissolution of ZnO was effectively restrained by the surface-hybridized PANI layer. ZnO@PANI suspension can be more stable in a wider pH range. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis indicated that ZnO@PANI particles were thoroughly dispersed in the neutral and alkaline solution as proven by the emergence of a single distribution with a high diffused intensity. Sedimentation experiments suggested that ZnO@PANI suspension was a more stable dispersion taking into account the effect of pH and ionic strength.