Nanographite sheets derived from polyaniline nanocoating of cellulose nanofibers

A simple chemical approach for the fabrication of nanographite sheets has been developed by denitrogenation of polyaniline thin layers deposited as a coating on natural cellulose nanofibers as in ordinary filter paper. The crystalline domains on the cellulose nanofiber surface directed the adsorption and further polymerization of aniline monomers to form well-aligned polyaniline layers. Treatment of the filter paper with the deposited polyaniline with a sodium hydroxide/urea aqueous solution at −20 °C resulted in both the removal of the cellulose and the formation of well-structured nanographite sheets.

The naturally formed crystalline domains on the cellulose nanofiber surface directed the adsorption and further polymerization of aniline monomers to form well-aligned polyaniline layers, treatment of which with a sodium hydroxide/urea aqueous solution at low temperature resulted in the formation of well-structured nanographite sheets.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Nanographite was fabricated by the denitrogenation of polyaniline films.
► Thin polyaniline films were deposited on the cellulose nanofibers as in filter paper.
► The deposition of polyaniline films was directed by cellulose crystalline domains.
► Nanographite was formed by the low-temperature NaOH/urea solution treatment.