Surfactant assisted synthesis of pH responsive polyaniline-cellulose biocomposite for sensor applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present communication, an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) and a cationic surfactant tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) were employed as soft templates for the preparation of biocomposites of polyaniline and cellulose, PAni/Cell, via oxidation polymerization. These biocomposites were characterized by UV/Vis, Fourier Transform Infra red (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Wire-like and porous structures are observed for PAni/Cell prepared in the presence of SDBS whereas, presence of TTAB shows clusters-like structures. Electrochemical properties displayed by cyclic voltammograms (CV) of PAni/Cell/surfactant electrode, the effect of scan rate, and pH on the current response indicate its compatibility in sensor applications.