Self-assembly of polyaniline ultrathin films based on doping-induced deposition effect and applications for chemical sensors

Abstract

Electroactive nanocomposite ultrathin films of polyaniline (PAN) and isopolymolybdic acid (PMA) were fabricated by a novel molecular self-assembling process based on the alternate deposition of PAN and PMA from their dilute solutions. The process was based on doping-induced deposition effect of emeraldine base. The process was monitored by UV/VIS spectroscopy measurement. It was found that the conductivity of the PAN films is sensitive to humidity, NO 2 and NH 3. The technique may be used to fabricate chemical sensors and other molecular devices.