Synthesis of a super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline/titanium oxide hybrid with a narrow pore size distribution

A super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline/titanium oxide hybrid with a narrow pore size distribution, which has a conductivity of 0.25 S cm−1 at 25 °C, has been prepared by a hydrolysis and condensation process of tetrabutyl titanate on the surface of polyaniline. This hybrid powder can be easily dispersed in the aqueous solution without any dispersants. The electrochemical investigation indicates that the electrochemical activity of polyaniline/titanium oxide hybrid is extended to a neutral electrolyte solution, and shows good electrochemical cycling stability even in the electrolyte solution of pH 5.0. Moreover, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area of this hybrid is 171.7 m2 g−1, and 98% of the contribution to specific surface area comes from the pores of 2-5 nm. This work not only solves the problems of processing conducting polyaniline in aqueous media, but also explores a simple method to synthesize porous conducting polyaniline/inorganic hybrids with a narrow pore size distribution.

► A super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline/titanium oxide hybrid was synthesized by a hydrolysis and condensation process of tetrabutyl titanate on the surface of polyaniline. ► This hybrid powder can be easily dispersed in the aqueous solution without any dispersants. ► The conductivity of polyaniline/titanium oxide hybrid is 0.25 S cm−1 at 25 °C, and shows a good electrochemical performance in the electrolyte solution of pH 1.0-7.0 ► BET specific surface area of this hybrid is 171.7 m2 g−1, and 98% of contribution to specific surface area comes from the pores of 2-5 nm.