Growth of sub-micron fibres of pure polyaniline using the electrospinning technique

Abstract

In this work we report on the formation of pure polyaniline fibres by the electrospinning method. The fibres present diameters ranging from hundreds of nanometres to a few micrometres and have lengths of hundreds of micrometres. The fibres were collected on SiO2/Si and Si wafer pieces in the form of isolated fibres. Morphological characterization by scanning electron microscopy shows smooth fibre surfaces and lack of failure effects such as necking and fibrillation. The current–voltage characteristics are linear and the conductivity values vary in the range usually observed for partially doped polyaniline.

Developments in conducting polymer fibres: from established spinning methods toward advanced applications

“…camphor sulfonic acid), PAni may be retained in solution in the doped conducting form, further enhancing its versatility. 88,89 PAni fibres may be spun from emeraldine base 27,57,60,90 and leucoemeraldine base [91][92][93] solutions and converted to the conducting form using aqueous protonating acids following processing. Up to the time of the work of Mattes et al, 57 the standard method for making conducting PAni fibres from the emeraldine base form was to convert to the conducting salt form using an aqueous protonic acid.…”

“…90,91,[106][107][108][109] Cárdenas et al were pioneers in the successful use of electrospinning to produce PAni nanofibres. 27 This method produced fibres with diameters ranging from hundreds of nanometres to a few micrometres. This was a significant advance at the time, not only because pure PAni fibres were obtained, but also because the fibre was collected in an innovative manner involving the placement of an acetone bath on the electrode.…”

Electrospun Polyaniline-Based Composite Nanofibers: Tuning the Electrical Conductivity by Tailoring the Structure of Thiol-Protected Metal Nanoparticles

“…The composite nanofibers show a slightly broader diameter distribution. The fabrication of nanofibers with comparable diameters for each composition is a key factor for the successful completion of the experiment, as their electrical conductivity is influenced by the nanofiber size [35].…”

Recent progress on nanostructured conducting polymers and composites: synthesis, application and future aspects

“…However, the conductivity of PANI/ PEO was drastically reduced, and the physical and chemical properties were altered [78]. Cardenas et al [79] successfully fabricated pure PANI sub-micron sized fibers using electrospinning technique, without doping by high molecular weight acids or gaining stability by other polymers. Different from the work reported by MacDiarmid et al [80] in which 20 wt.% of PANI was placed in 98% sulfuric acid, this work used a solution with a considerably lower concentration of PANI (1 wt.%) in 98% formic acid.…”