Preparation of silica nanoparticle-armored polyaniline microspheres in a Pickering emulsion

Silica nanoparticle-armored polyaniline microspheres (SNAPMs) were synthesized in a Pickering emulsion for the first time. The products were characterized by SEM, XRD and FTIR. The FTIR results showed that the silica nanoparticles were attached to the surfaces of the polyaniline microspheres by a hydrogen bonding action. The SEM results showed that the amount of the silica nanoparticles added in the emulsion had a distinct effect on the morphology and size of the SNAPMs. A mechanism for the formation of the SNAPMs was discussed. The route reported here may be used for the preparation of other composite nanostructures.