Protonation of Polyaniline with 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one

The preparation of materials combining the features of conducting polymers and energetic compounds is demonstrated. The protonation reaction between two nonconducting compounds, polyaniline (PANI) base and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), an insensitive explosive, yields conducting products. Three ways of preparation have been tested: the interaction of PANI base with NTO dissolved in water, the polymerization of aniline in a medium containing NTO, and solid-state blending of both components. The increase in conductivity and density after protonation is assessed. The FTIR spectra are used to examine changes in the molecular structure of PANI and NTO occurring during the protonation.