By using either interfacial polymerization or rapidly mixing aniline, oxidant and acid, pure nanofibers of polyaniline can be produced. The key to forming nanofibers is to suppress secondary growth that results in the agglomerated particles found in conventional polyaniline synthesis. These methods are template-free and readily scalable. Stable and processable aqueous colloids are now available. The synthesis of nanofibers of polyaniline derivatives, polypyrrole and polythiophene is accomplished by adding appropriate initiators. Polyaniline nanofibers may be useful in many applications such as resistive-type sensors where their high surface area enable very rapid response times often less than two seconds. Polyaniline nanofibers can be decorated with metal nanoparticles that not only can enhance sensor response, but also leads to molecular memory devices and catalysts. A flash of light can be used to melt the nanofibers, enabling patterning that can create electronic devices containing insulating and conducting regions. Asymmetric films can be patterned that act as mechanical actuators (artificial muscles).

Synthesis and applications of conducting polymer nanofibers

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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