Polymerization of aniline in the interlayer space of molybdenum trioxide and its electrochemical properties

Molybdenum trioxide/polyaniline (MoO₃/PANI) composite was prepared first by ion-exchange reaction between aniline (ANI) and dodecylamine (DDA) which was intercalated precursor, and then was formed under the polymerization of ANI within the interlayer space of MoO₃ at 120 °C for 3 d in air. According to powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and electrochemical testing, MoO₃/PANI composite has layered structure, and its interlayer spacing is 1.127 nm. Moreover, it has high thermal stability with the compound and completes its weight loss at 751.9 °C. Electrochemical investigation shows that MoO₃ is the major active substance in the MoO₃/PANI electrode, and MoO₃/PANI electrode demonstrates better conductivity and electrochemical activity than pure MoO₃ electrode, attributed to the promotion of Li⁺ and/or electron transport. In addition, the alternating current impedance proves that if the resistance of MoO₃/PANI electrode reduces apparently, the electrochemical activity will increase correspondingly, the same as the relationship between the ohmic resistance and the electrical conductivity.