Influence of imidazolium-based ionic liquids on the performance of polyaniline–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites

Using cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles of different content as nucleation sites, polyaniline–CoFe2O4 nanofiber composites were successfully synthesized at the interface of water and ionic liquid via in-situ polymerization. Structure and morphology were investigated by TGA, TEM, XRD, and FT-IR. The influence of ionic liquids on the structure, conductivity and magnetic property of polyaniline–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites were studied in detail. The results show that imidazolium-based ionic liquids BMIPF6 acts as an anchor agent during the nanofiber composites formation process. Introduction of ionic liquids obviously improves the conductivity but weakens the magnetization of polyaniline–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites in the same [CoFe2O4]/[An] ratio.

.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ PANI–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites were synthesized in ionic liquid (PC-A) for the first time. ▶ For comparison, PANI–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites were synthesized without using ionic liquid(PC-B). ▶ Compared the morphology and structure of PC-A and PC-B. ▶ Compared the conductivity and magnetic property of PC-A and PC-B.