A high concentration graphene dispersion stabilized by polyaniline nanofibers

By introducing polyaniline nanofibers (PaniNFs) as a stabilizer during the conversion of graphene oxide to graphene in an aqueous medium under ultrasound, the aggregation of the intermediates and products was effectively suppressed. A stable dispersion of PaniNFs and graphene (G) with a high concentration was obtained. This method represents a convenient and potential route to prepare a PaniNF-G dispersion on a large scale, which may increase the applications of graphene. Vacuum filtration of the dispersion yields a high-quality self-supporting PaniNF/G composite film, whose electrical conductivity can be increased by rinsing with hydrochloric acid.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Polyaniline nanofibers were introduced during reduction of graphene oxide. ► A dispersion of graphene and polyaniline nanofibers has been obtained. ► The dispersion is stable for several weeks at a concentration of 0.5 mg mL−1. ► A self-supporting film was achieved through vacuum filtration of the dispersion. ► The conductivity of the film is enhanced by rinsing with hydrochloric acid.