A new approach for the synthesis of polyaniline microstructures with a unique tetragonal star-like morphology

Shape-controllable polyaniline (PANI) microstructures with a unique tetragonal star-like morphology were synthesized by a rapid initiated strategy with glycine (Gly) as dopant. The results demonstrate that the morphology of PANI microstructures is significantly influenced by the molar ratio of aniline to glycine. The PANI prepared in this study exhibits nanofiber-like morphology with exceptionally high crystallinity. These nanofibers can self-assemble into tetragonal star-like microstructures with a unique alignment. The chemistry, morphology, and crystal structure of glycine doped star-like microstructures were studied using SEM, UV–vis, FT-IR, XRD and cyclic voltammetry (CV).

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Shape-controllable polyaniline (PANI) microstructures with a unique tetragonal star-like morphology were synthesized by a rapid initiated strategy with glycine (Gly) as dopant. ► The molar ratios of aniline to glycine play an important role in the formation of the tetragonal star-like polyaniline microstructures. ► It was proposed that the self-assembly of nanoplates is driven by the hydrogen bonding between the polymer chains and carboxyl group of glycine.