Self-dispersible conducting polyaniline nanofibres synthesized in the presence of β-cyclodextrin

Self-dispersible conducting polyaniline nanofibres (SD-PAn) were synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin. It provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to process the conducting polyaniline both in bulk and at nanometre level. And they were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR), UV-vis absorption spectra, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), as well as conductivity and cyclic voltammorgrams. The conductivity of self-dispersible conducting polyaniline nanofibres has reached 3.28 S cm(-1) at 25 degrees C, which the diameter of nanotibres is about 80-100 nm. And they can be steadily dispersed in the range of pH 3-6.5 aqueous solution for 10-20 days without the need for any steric stabilizer. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.