Title: Covalent attachment of functional side-groups to polyaniline nanofibres

Authors: Emer Lahiff, Silvia Scarmagnani, Benjamin Schazmann, Attilio Cafolla, Dermot Diamond

Addresses: Adaptive Sensors Group, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland. ' Adaptive Sensors Group, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland. ' Adaptive Sensors Group, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland. ' School of Physics, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland. ' Adaptive Sensors Group, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland

Abstract: Polyaniline (PAni) is an example of a conducting polymer that can be switched between an insulating and a conductive state. This switching is accompanied by a colour change. Recently, interest has developed in the nanofibre form of PAni as these low dimensional structures have a very high surface area, thus enabling a faster response time. We investigate how the surface chemistry of these nanofibres can be modified by covalently attaching functional side-groups. In particular, we demonstrate the attachment of both amide and carboxylic acid groups. This can be achieved using a simple reflux technique. The modified material retains its nanomorphology and the intrinsic electrochemical, spectroscopic and redox properties of PAni are also preserved. Both acid and amine side-groups are interesting in that they provide a template, which could be further altered to enhance the selectivity of PAni. Acid terminated chains can also be used to introduce self-doping behaviour to PAni.

Keywords: nanomaterials; polyaniline nanofibres; conducting polymers; nanotechnology; surface chemistry; functional side-groups; amide; carboxylic acid; selectivity; self-doping.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2010.029926

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2010 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.88 - 99

Published online: 03 Dec 2009 *

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