Effective synthesis to control the growth of polyaniline nanofibers by interfacial polymerization

Polyaniline nanofibers with diameters under 100 nm were successfully synthesized by interfacial polymerization. The effect of synthesis conditions such as [An], [APS], solvent, and reaction temperature on the morphologies of polyaniline nanofibers was carefully investigated via scanning electron microscopy. The further characterization including FT-IR spectroscopy and electrical conductivity are presented. And the mechanism controlling the growth of polyaniline nanofibers was discussed in detail. Interfacial polymerization is shown to be effective to produce bulk quantities of nanofibers.

► PANI nanofibers (diameters < 100 nm) were synthesized by interfacial polymerization.
► The effect of synthesis conditions on morphologies of PANI was observed by SEM.
► The intrinsic character of the synthesis of polyaniline is revealed.
► Interfacial polymerization is effective to produce bulk quantities of nanofibers.