One‐step synthesis of highly conductive PPy/graphite nanosheets/Gd 3+ composites

Highly conductive polypyrrole/graphite nanosheets/Gd 3+ (PPy/nanoG/Gd 3+ ) composites are fabricated via in situ polymerization using p ‐toluenesulfonic acid as a dopant and FeCl 3 as an oxidant. The effects of the graphite nanosheets and Gd 3+ loading on the electrical conductivity are investigated. The maximum conductivity of PPy/nanoG/Gd 3+ composites about 17.86 S/cm found with 3 wt% graphite nanosheets and 6 wt% Gd 3+ at room temperature. The results showed that the high‐aspect‐ratio structure of graphite nanosheets played an important role in forming a conducting network in PPy matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrates an improved thermal stability of PPy in the PPy/nanoG/Gd 3+ composites. The microstructures of PPy/nanoG/Gd 3+ are evidenced by the SEM and TEM examinations. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.