Controlling the morphology and chiroptical properties of polyaniline nanofibers by unusual interfacial synthesis

•The diameter of PANI nanofibers can be controllably interfacial synthesized by varying the bi-phase volumes in asymmetrical.•The diameter of PANI nanofibers can be also controllably interfacial synthesized by varying the interface area.•The chiroptical properties of PANI nanofibers can be controllably interfacial synthesized by varying the bi-phase volumes in asymmetrical.•The chiroptical properties of PANI nanofibers can be also controllably interfacial synthesized by varying the interface area.

Several polyaniline, PANI, nanofibers, with controlled morphology and chiroptical properties were fabricated by using two developed unusual interfacial syntheses, UIS. Taking the l- and d-camphorsulfonic acid, CSA, as guiders, the first developed UIS is to prepare the bi-phase volumes in asymmetrical by setting the top phase volume/bottom phase volume, TPV/BPV, at 1/2 and 2/1 (vol%), respectively. The second developed UIS is to vary the diameter, Φ, of interfacial area at bigger, e.g. 71 mm, or smaller e.g. 52 mm, respectively. FESEM images showed that the reduction of the TPV and the increase of the interfacial area both would reduce the diameter of l/d-CSA doped PANI nanofibers. CD spectra showed that the reduction of the TPV and the increase of the interfacial area both would enhance the chiroptical properties of PANI nanofibers.

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