Enhancing the conductivity and dispersion properties of polyaniline using ethyl orange

Abstract

In our research, we developed a novel one-step synthesis method for polyaniline (PANI) using the organic dye Ethyl Orange (EO). This method facilitated the formation of PANI nanorods and significantly enhanced their electrical conductivity, achieving up to 13.5 S cm−1. The structural interaction between EO and PANI was confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Notably, the inclusion of EO improved PANI's dispersion properties, resulting in a zeta potential of 34 mV in water and excellent dispersibility in various organic solvents. These attributes significantly enhance the application potential of PANI nanorods, especially in protective coatings. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis revealed that EO-PANI/WPU coatings (0.5 wt% EO-PANI) exhibited exceptional electrochemical stability and corrosion resistance in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Specifically, the initial impedance magnitude (Zf=0.01 Hz, 1010 ohms) of EO-PANI/WPU coatings was approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that of traditional WPU coatings (108 ohms). Over time, the EO-PANI coatings demonstrated higher phase angles and impedance, indicating superior electrochemical stability and protective performance.