Role of nanoparticles on polymer composites

Conjugated polymers with conductive metal nanoparticles offer a unique opportunity to combine the desirable characteristic properties of both their organic and metallic components within a single matrix. The metallic portion imparts conductivity and thermal stability, whereas the polymer can provide mechanical and electronic properties of semiconductors. Such a combination of conducting polymers with metal nanoparticles have emerged as a promising material for the production of sensors, fuel cell, and electrochromic displays. In this chapter, we briefly review some of the developments in the fabrication of conducting polymer nanocomposite based on polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene with different metallic nanoparticles.