Self-assembly of nanostructured composite ZnO/polyaniline films

Ultrathin composite ZnO/polyaniline (PAN) films were deposited from organic solutions on silicon and ITO substrates using wet layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. The film growth process was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, IR and UV-visible absorbance and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electrical measurements. The Si substrates were pre-treated by chemical oxidation. Multilayer films were grown by sequential immersion of the substrate in an ethanolic ZnO sol and PAN solution in dimethyl formamide. The first adsorption cycle resulted in well-packed monoparticulate ZnO layer almost completely covering the substrate, which predetermined the regular growth of densely packed and quite smooth ten-layer ZnO/PAN film. Photoluminescence and IR data assumed chemical interaction between the components in neighbouring layers. The multilayer (ZnO/PAN)₉ZnO film sandwiched between ITO and Pt electrodes exhibited strong photoelectrical response while both the components were photoelectrically inactive in our experimental conditions. The reversible conversion from insulating to conducting state was observed under irradiation by light with a wavelength below 350 nm.