Optically anisotropic metal-polymer nanocomposites

Intercalation of electroactive polymers such as polyaniline and polypyrrole in mica-type layered silicates leads to metal-insulator nanocomposites. The conductivity of these nanocomposites in the form of films is highly anisotropic, with the in-plane conductivity 10 to 10 times higher than the conductivity in the direction perpendicular to the film. Conductive polymer/oxide bronze nanocomposites have been prepared by intercalating polythiophene in V2O5 layered phase, which is analogous to clays. °° Studies of these composites are expected not only to provide a fundamental understanding of the conduction mechanism in the polymers, but also to lead to diverse electrical and optical properties. 

As described above, noble metal nanopartides with narrow size distribution can be introduced in polymers homogeneously resulting in translucent composites. In particular these nanocomposite materials offer completely new anisotropic optical properties, when either anisotropic partides (e.g., nanorods, nanowires) are used or the partides are uniaxially oriented. 

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