Synthesis, characterization and conducting behavior of heavy metal sensitive polyaniline/zirconium (IV) tungstoiodophosphate nanocomposite.

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of conducting nature of nano-ordered material has been done by sol–gel mixing of an electrical conducting polymer polyaniline into the matrices of inorganic precipitate zirconium tungstoiodophosphate. The physico-chemical property was determined using TGA–DTA, FTIR, X-ray, and SEM studies. The results of physical properties were found progressive in terms of their specific properties. Electrical conductivity determined by four-in-line probe method shows semi-conducting range, i.e., 10 −3 –10 −2 S cm −1 . Sensitivity and selectivity was explored by its adsorption efficiency towards heavy metal ions. Proposed material was selective for copper, a heavy toxic metal ion indicating its utility in decreasing pollution load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]