Polymer-clay nanocomposites based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT) : PSS and nanoclay montmorillonite were synthesized and characterized. The doping of PEDOT with polystyrene sulfonate made it water dispersible (PEDOT-PSS). Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and ionic liquid were used to increase the interlayer spacing and the conductivity of the nanocomposites, respectively. The nanocomposite was characterized by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM, surface resistivity, and thermogravimetric measurement analysis. Interlayer spacing increased as a result of the addition of SDBS, and this was confirmed by the 20 shift observed via XRD analysis. The surface morphology of the conductive coated clav was examined by TEM analysis. Good electrical surface conductivity, interlayer spacing, and polymer coating were observed for the material prepared using the surfactant and conductive ionic liquid (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116: 314-319, 2010