Self-assembled nanostructured polyaniline with different structure-directing agents

Abstract

This research work aims to synthesize PANI nanostructures for possible application in nanoelectronic devices and chemical sensors. Firstly, the ordered array of oriented PANI nanostructures (rod and tube) was prepared by the selection of proper structure-directing agents. Secondly, new Y-junction PANI nanorods and nanotubes were prepared through using in situ self-assembly of water-soluble iron oxide nanoparticles as templates and pH control and finally, high-quality PANI nanofibers were synthesized by a modified a??nanofiber seedinga?? method which was environmentally favorable. This work shows that the synthesis of PANI nanomaterials can be controlled by self-assembly method, which can provide a materials platform for systematic studies of controlled synthesis of conducting polymer nanostructures. The self-assembly process will also open the way to the synthesis of complex nanostructures with controlled morphology, orientation and new surface architectures.