Two-step electrochemical synthesis of Au nanoparticles decorated polyaniline nanofiber

The present work reports the electrochemical synthesis of H2SO4-doped polyaniline nanofibers (PANINFs) on conducting ITO substrate. The subsequent dissociation of HAuCl4 in an acidic solution of HNO3 and deposition of Au particles was carried out by using cyclic voltammetery (CV) to form Au particles decorated PANINFs (Au–PANINFs) composite film. Electrical conductivity of the Au particles decorated PANINFs has been measured by a two-probe method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations of PANINFs and Au–PANINFs samples revealed good porous and fibrous structure with identical distribution of gold nanoparticles coupled with the surface of PANINFs. The average diameter of the PANINFs ranges from 184 nm to 210 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and EDAX spectra also supported the formation of Au particles on the surface of PANINFs. The structural analysis was carried out by Raman spectroscopic technique. A possible mechanism for the formation of Au–PANINFs composite has been proposed.

► Decoration of polyaniline nanofibers by gold nanoparticles using CV. ► SEM shows good porous and fibrous structure with identical distribution of gold nanoparticles. ► Structure analysis by using Raman and XRD. ► I–V characteristics of Au–PANINFs.