Self-dispersible conducting polyaniline nanofibres synthesized in the presence of β-cyclodextrin

Self-dispersible conducting polyaniline nanofibres (SD-PAn) were synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of β-cyclodextrin. It provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to process the conducting polyaniline both in bulk and at nanometre level. And they were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR), UV–vis absorption spectra, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), as well as conductivity and cyclic voltammorgrams. The conductivity of self-dispersible conducting polyaniline nanofibres has reached 3.28 S cm−1 at 25 °C, which the diameter of nanofibres is about 80–100 nm. And they can be steadily dispersed in the range of pH 3–6.5 aqueous solution for 10–20 days without the need for any steric stabilizer.