Polyaniline Research Articles

Using multi‐component carbon composite as current collector in ultra‐battery

AbstractThis study introduces a multi‐component composite as a substitute for lead grids in ultra‐battery structures. The presented composite decreases the weight and simultaneously extends the cycle life of the traditional lead‐acid battery. Overall, UBZCP (the sample containing metal oxides and polyaniline), as the best sample, increases the cyclic stability by 3.3 and 1.4 times under high rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC) mode, compared to Native and UB450 samples. Metal oxides predominantly enhance the electrical conductivity of carbon‐based composites due to catalytic effects in the reduction of graphene oxide during heat treatment. Poly aniline shows considerably positive effect of electrochemical performance due to the high pseudo‐capacitive properties, high interaction of lead ions and the nitrogen in the polymer chains and accordingly hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) inhibition. The synergistic effect of polyaniline and metal oxides makes the best performance in the UBZCP sample achieve. Also, the UBZCP sample represented an enhancement of about 1.21 and 1.39 times in battery life and specific capacity under deep discharge mode compared to the Native sample. As a result, the introduced multi‐component composite making a 3D conductive network, facilitates Pb/PbSO4 reaction reversibility, and reduces the lead sulfate crystal size.

Coral-like Ti3C2Tx/PANI Binary Nanocomposite Wearable Enzyme Electrochemical Biosensor for Continuous Monitoring of Human Sweat Glucose

With the continuous advancement of contemporary medical technology, an increasing number of individuals are inclined towards self-monitoring their physiological health information, specifically focusing on monitoring blood glucose levels. However, as an emerging flexible sensing technique, continuous and non-invasive monitoring of glucose in sweat offers a promising alternative to conventional invasive blood tests for measuring blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of infection associated with blood testing. In this study, we fabricated a flexible and wearable electrochemical enzyme sensor based on a two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets and coral-like polyaniline (PANI) binary nanocomposite (denoted as Ti3C2Tx/PANI) for continuous, non-invasive, real-time monitoring of sweat glucose. The exceptional conductivity of Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets, in conjunction with the mutual doping effect facilitated by coral-like PANI, significantly enhances electrical conductivity and specific surface areas of Ti3C2Tx/PANI. Consequently, the fabricated sensor exhibits remarkable sensitivity (25.16 μA·mM−1·cm−2), a low detection limit of glucose (26 μM), and an extensive detection range (0.05 mM ~ 1.0 mM) in sweat. Due to the dense coral-like structure of Ti3C2Tx/PANI binary nanocomposite, a larger effective area is obtained to offer more active sites for enzyme immobilization and enhancing enzymatic catalytic activity. Moreover, the sensor demonstrates exceptional mechanical performance, enabling a 60° bend in practical applications, thus satisfying the rigorous demands of human sweat detection applications. The results obtained from continuous 60 min in vitro monitoring of sweat glucose levels demonstrate a robust correlation with the data of blood glucose levels collected by a commercial glucose meter. Furthermore, the fabricated Ti3C2Tx/PANI/GOx sensor demonstrated agreement with HPLC findings regarding the actual concentration of added glucose. This study presents an efficient and practical approach for the development of a highly reliable MXene glucose biosensor, enabling stable and long-term monitoring of glucose levels in human sweat.

Tuning Supercapacitive Behavior of Eri Silk (Philosamiaricini)‐Polyanilne Nanocomposite for Electrodes Applications

ABSTRACTHerein, the synthesis of Polyaniline‐Eri nanosilk fibroin (PANI/ENSF) composite supercapacitor electrode material by utilizing Eri silk (Philosamiaricini) as a raw material and polyaniline (PANI) with H2SO4 as doping acid and (NH4)2S2O8 as an oxidant, via a simple in situ oxidative polymerization technique, with good performance characteristics is reported. The chemical composition of the composites have been studied by using XRD, FT‐IR, UV–vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and morphology is studied by SEM. BET analysis reveals that the surface area of composite is 712.10 m2g−1, and BJH analysis shows that the pore size is mainly concentrated between 1.5 and 15.7 nm. The composite shows electrical conductivity of 17.33 × 10−2 Scm−1 (Keithley Model 2000). The electrochemical performances are evaluated by using CV, GCD, and EIS measurements. The three‐electrode system composite shows specific capacitance of about 310.12 Fg−1 at 0.1 Ag−1, which is the highest value being reported, compared to already available polyaniline‐silk composites. Further the studies have been extended to assemble a symmetrical two‐electrode supercapacitor device which also exhibits a high value of specific capacitance of 35 Fg−1 at 5 Ag−1 and 96.12% capacity retention over 5000 cycles. For the first time, this study reports using a Polyaniline‐Eri nanosilk composite to design an efficient supercapacitor electrode.

Ti3C2Tx MXene‐Polyaniline Nanocomposite as an Adsorbent in Microextraction by Packed Sorbent for the Analysis of Parabens in Water and Juice Samples

ABSTRACTHerein, a novel Ti3C2Tx MXene and polyaniline nanocomposite is successfully synthesized and used for the highly efficient extraction of parabens. Polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers have formed a porous and peculiar π–π conjugated structure on hydrophilic MXene sheets, providing numerous adsorption sites for microextraction of analytes with moderate polarities such as parabens. The method is simple and sensitive, using microextraction by packed sorbent coupled with a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet detector. Under the optimal conditions, the method provides suitable preconcentrating factors of 28–35, ultrahigh sensitivity with low limits of detection of 0.3–0.5 µg/L, wide linearity of 0.3.0–200 µg/L with coefficients of determination ≥ 0.9983, and satisfactory precision with relative standard deviations ≤ 10.7%. The outstanding performance has been confirmed in well water and orange juice samples, with recoveries in the range of 93.1%–101.2% for water and 90.6%–103.4% for orange juice samples, respectively.

Ternary polymeric beads of chitosan-based polyaniline doped iron oxide used for removal of cadmium and lead ions from water: Kinetic, isotherm and mechanism studies

ABSTRACT In this study, the binary polymeric magnetic beads were synthesized successfully by one-pot polymerization of polyaniline (PA) doped magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) followed by chitosan (CTS) cross-linkage. The newly fabricated ternary magnetic beads (CTS@MPA) were applied to enhance the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from the aqueous media. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Adsorption experiments were carried out under optimum conditions. To evaluate the experimental data, the isotherm and kinetic models were conducted. The behavior of adsorption was assessed, and the coefficient of determination values demonstrated that the adsorption process best fitted the Freundlich model due to high values of R2 (0.957 & 0.981). The maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at 150.82 mg.g−1 and 169.21 mg.g−1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions, respectively. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.952 & 0.985). Weber-Morris claims that intraparticle diffusion plays a significant role in the adsorption kinetics. Finally, the thermodynamic study is demonstrated, and the adsorption is endothermic, and the mechanism follows a physisorption pattern.

Acid‐doped polyaniline‐based asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density by electrochemical polymerization

AbstractIn this article, conductive polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by electrochemical polymerization on the FTO surface doping different protonic acids (H2SO4, HCl and H3PO4), named the rod‐like PANI‐S, dogtail‐like PANI‐Cl and burr‐like PANI‐P, respectively. The three‐type PANIs possess stable structure, novel morphology and low charge transfer resistance after careful investigation. Among them, the obtained rod‐like PANI‐S has the best specific capacitance of 542.8 F g−1. Also, biomass activated carbon AC with good specific capacitance was successfully prepared by chemical activation of green tea. Interestingly, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was assembled with PANI‐S in PVA‐H2SO4 as the positive electrode and AC3:1 in PVA‐KOH as the negative electrode and the obtained ASC device has voltage window of 1.6 V and energy density of 29 Wh kg−1. Electrochemical evaluation in the PANI‐based ASC devices improves the potential applications in energy storage fields.

Optical and sign-flipping nonlinear optical properties of NiO/PMMA/PANI nanocomposite films

In this study, we introduce an efficient nanocomposite system to enhance optical properties of Nickel oxide (NiO) integrated with two polymers matrix. NiO nanoparticles is prepared using chemical co-precipitation method and its nanocomposite films (NCFs) were prepared with poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyaniline (PANI) using drop-casting method on glass substrate and was optimized by changing the concentration of NiO. The prepared NCFs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV)-visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy. The open-aperture z-scan method is employed for nonlinear optical investigations, utilizing a nanosecond pulsed laser with a wavelength of 532 nm for excitation. The findings indicate that the NCFs exhibit sign-flipping nonlinear behavior, indicating a transition from saturable absorption to reverse saturable absorption. This suggests that our NCFs exhibit optical limiting properties and potential for applications in photonic devices, such as optical switches and laser protection systems.

Development of chitosan-acrylic acid based hydrogels with incorporated polyaniline and plasma treatment

Hybrid hydrogels are materials that incorporate features from multicomponent systems of polymers, significantly improving their functionality and making them ideal for biomedical applications. Both natural and synthetic polymers are utilized, further enhancing their functionality. The combination of polyaniline (PANI), chitosan (CS), and acrylic acid (AA) can result in a multifunctional hybrid hydrogel that is antibacterial, hydrophilic, and salt-sensitive. A multifunctional PANI-CS-AA with varying PANI weight ratio was synthesized in this study. In addition, improving the surface of the multifunctional hydrogels by atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) treatment was also investigated. During APP treatment, the production of reactive species (e.g., OH and N2 radicals) responsible for the functionalization of the hydrogel surface was confirmed through optical emission spectroscopy. The integration of three polymer components in the synthesized hydrogels was confirmed through the presence of their mid-FTIR spectral characteristics, particularly in the AA and CS C=O, PANI quinonoid and benzenoid units, AA COO−, and the PANI aromatic and C—H vibration regions. Moreover, the hybrid hydrogels with incorporated PANI and APP treatment improved their wettability and surface free energy (SFE) characteristics. The hybrid hydrogels with 0.25 wt. % PANI and exposed to 2 min air plasma yielded the highest hydrophilicity and total SFE with values 41.27° ± 2.15° and 135.68 ± 4.72 mJ/m2, respectively. The plasma-treated 0.25PANI-2.5CS-4AA samples exhibit improved swelling response in water (Smax = 1310 ± 100; ks = 0.005) and saline media (Smax = 1280 ± 80; ks = 0.001) due to enhanced polymeric chains and affinity toward polar liquids. Synthesized hydrogels exhibited antibacterial activity, as evidenced by the zone of inhibition test. Clearing zones measured were in the range of 16–27 mm. The study developed an APP-treated tricomponent hydrogel consisting of PANI, CS, and AA that has improved hydrophilicity, salt sensitivity, and antibacterial features.

Synergetic Combination of Bio‐Electrolytes and Bio‐Fluidic Channels as a Novel Resource of Sustainable Energy

AbstractExploration for sustainable energy resources is essential to minimize the dependence on fossil fuels and to improve environmental parameters. Here, the possibility of utilizing bio‐waste‐derived electrolytes as an electrical energy resource by placing them across semipermeable membranes prepared through parallel stacking of coir fibers is examined. The nanofluidic membrane (d‐CF‐V) prepared by modifying the inner walls of the bio‐fluidic channels with atomically thin layers of vanadium pentoxide (VO) shows excellent perm‐selectivity (t+ = 0.87, with 1000‐fold concentration difference) and electricity conversion efficiency (≈ 28.2%). With simulated sea and river water, the d‐CF‐V yields output energy up to 2.4 W m−2, similarly with mineral acid bases (0.5 m HCl and 0.01 m NaOH), the d‐CF‐V shows an energy output of 11.8 W m−2. The sun‐dried Garcinia morella (Kuji thekera), and charred peels of Musa balbisiana (banana) are used as sustainable sources of bio‐electrolytes, which in combination with permselective d‐CF‐V yielded a power density of ≈1.4 W m−2. By replacing standard Ag/AgCl electrodes with nanomaterials exhibiting contrasting charge transfer activities, oxidized carbon nanotube membrane (o‐CNT) and polyaniline (PANI) membrane the output voltage is enhanced from –127 to –568 mV and current output is increased from 10.2 to 51.5 µA.

Engineering Interlayer Space and Composite of Square-Shaped V2O5 by PVP-Assisted Polyaniline Intercalation and Graphene for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

V2O5 undergoes irreversible phase transition and collapse of layered structure during the Zn2+ insertion/extraction, which severely limits its application as a cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, a synergistic strategy of conductive polyaniline insertion and graphene composite was proposed to boost the Zn2+ storage performance of the V2O5 cathode. A square-shaped polyaniline (PANI)-intercalated and graphene-composited vanadium oxide (GO/PANI-PVP/V2O5) structure was successfully synthesized via an in situ oxidation/insertion polymerization combined with a hydrothermal method. The results showed that PANI intercalation and the composite of graphene combined with layered V2O5, enabling reversible intercalation of Zn2+/H+. The insertion of conjugated PANI not only increases the lattice spacing of V2O5, providing a channel for rapid transport of Zn2+, but also increases the storage sites for charges through doping/dedoping processes and redox conversion reactions. GO/PANI-PVP/V2O5 delivers an excellent specific capacity (495 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1), wonderful rate capability (208 mA h g-1 at 30 A g-1), and good cycling stability (93% after 4000 cycles). Our results provide a new approach for adjusting the valence states, interlayer spacing, and rational design of organic-inorganic compound materials for different functional materials.

Silver-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide/PANI-DBSA-PLA Composite 3D-Printed Supercapacitors.

This study presents a novel approach to the development of high-performance supercapacitors through 3D printing technology. We synthesized a composite material consisting of silver-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA)-doped polyaniline (PANI), which was further blended with polylactic acid (PLA) for additive manufacturing. The composite was extruded into filaments and printed into circular disc electrodes using fused deposition modeling (FDM). These electrodes were assembled into symmetric supercapacitor devices with a solid-state electrolyte. Electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) tests, demonstrated considerable mass-specific capacitance values of 136.2 F/g and 133 F/g at 20 mV/s and 1 A/g, respectively. The devices showed excellent stability, retaining 91% of their initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles enhanced the conductivity of rGO, while PANI-DBSA improved electrochemical stability and performance. This study highlights the potential of combining advanced materials with 3D printing to optimize energy storage devices, offering a significant advancement over traditional manufacturing methods.

Exploring the potential of SnSe/PANi composite counter electrodes for improved efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

This paper investigates the synthesis and characterization of novel counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), focusing on composite polyaniline (PANi) nanofibers integrated with tin selenide (SnSe). Three CEs, namely SnSe, PANi, and their composite, were prepared via facile hydrothermal and cyclic voltammetry methods and compared with a standard platinum (Pt) CE. The efficiencies obtained were 4.20 %, 5.63 %, 8.39 %, and 7.72 % for SnSe, PANi, SnSe/PANi, and Pt CEs, respectively. The improved efficiencies, particularly in the case of the SnSe/PANi composite, were attributed to increased short-circuit density of the composite sample. The materials and devices prepared in this study are characterized using various methods including FESEM, TEM, XRD, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, EIS, Tafel, OCVD, IPCE and etc to support our proposed CE structure. Our findings demonstrate the promising potential of SnSe/PANi composite CEs in enhancing the performance and affordability of DSSCs.

Unraveling the Electrochemical Insights of Cobalt Oxide/Conducting Polymer Hybrid Materials for Supercapacitor, Battery, and Supercapattery Applications.

This review article focuses on the potential of cobalt oxide composites with conducting polymers, particularly polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANI), as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors, batteries, and supercapatteries. Cobalt oxide, known for its high theoretical capacitance, is limited by poor conductivity and structural degradation during cycling. However, the integration of PPy and PANI has been proven to enhance the electrochemical performance through improved conductivity, increased pseudocapacitive effects, and enhanced structural integrity. This synergistic combination facilitates efficient charge transport and ion diffusion, resulting in improved cycling stability and energy storage capacity. Despite significant progress in synthesis techniques and composite design, challenges such as maintaining structural stability during prolonged cycling and scalability for mass production remain. This review highlights the synthesis methods, latest advancements, and electrochemical performance in cobalt oxide/PPy and cobalt oxide/PANI composites, emphasizing their potential to contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage devices. Further exploration into their application, especially in battery systems, is necessary to fully harness their capabilities and meet the increasing demands of energy storage technologies.

Development and Performance of a PANI@NiMnO3 Nanocomposite for Enhanced Supercapacitors and Photocatalytic Applications.

Conductive polymers are gaining considerable attention as a potential material for supercapacitor electrodes due to their favorable properties. Among these, polyaniline (PANI) stands out as a cost-effective and easy to synthesize, making it a promising candidate for improving energy storage applications. This study presents the synthesis of a hybrid composite consisting of PANI and NiMnO3 (NMO) perovskite using the chemical oxidative polymerization method. The morphology and structure of the composite were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. XRD results showed that the addition of NMO transformed the amorphous structure of PANI into a semicrystalline form, leading to enhanced conductivity. SEM images revealed a more uniform and compact structure, with NMO distributed unevenly within the polymer matrix. Optical analysis indicated that a reduction in the band gap of PANI@NMO reached 2.5 eV. N2 adsorption-desorption measurements confirmed an increase in the surface area and pore volume. The photocatalytic activity of the PANI@NMO nanocomposite was tested by degrading methylene blue (MB) dye under UV/visible light. The nanocomposite showed high efficiency, degrading 87.75% of MB dye after 125 min of irradiation as compared to their counter parts. Additionally, electrochemical tests demonstrated an improved electrochemical performance of the composite due to enhanced crystallinity, increased surface area, and reduced electron-hole recombination rate. These results suggest that the PANI@NMO nanocomposite has great potential for use in supercapacitors and photocatalysis.

Advancement of Graphite-Clay Composite Electrodes via Different Compositions to Improve the Synergetic Matrix Effect Towards General Electroanalytical and Energy Storage Applications

Modern electrode technology trends for enhancing multifunctional electrodes, prioritizing energy storage and electroanalytical prospects. This study anticipates fabricating electrodes by incorporating cement and colloidal graphite, to improve the performance via synergetic interactions of the composite matrix. Graphite-montmorillonite-cement ternary composite electrode (GMMTCeCE) and graphite-colloidal graphite-montmorillonite-cement quaternary composite electrode (GCGMMTCeCE) are fabricated, as two types of electrodes. GMMTCeCE reflects the lowest peak-to-peak separation in Ce3+/Ce4+ (0.098 V), greater sensitivity towards [Fe(CN)6]4- (2.68 A·m·mol-1) and [Fe(CN)6]3- (2.64 A·m·mol-1), showing comparatively better performance in analyte detection than GCGMMTCeCE. Multilayered polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers network, which is unique in GMMTCeCE electropolymerization, accounts for very low serial (0.38 Ω) and charge transfer (0.59 Ω) resistances, while densely packed nanofibers of PANI in GCGMMTCeCE is responsible for the lowest ohmic resistance (1.31 Ω). Supercapacitor device fabricated by PANI-GMMTCeCE, achieved higher capacitance (1,002 F·g-1 at 5 mV·s-1) and showed greater cyclic stability, in contrast to relatively lower specific capacitance (685 F·g-1 at 5 mV·s-1) attained by PANI-GCGMMTCeCE, demonstrates the superiority of the supercapacitor of GMMTCeCE over GCGMMTCeCE for energy-storage purposes. Therefore, GMMTCeCE outperformed GCGMMTCeCE in electroanalysis and energy storage, confirming better synergetic interactions of the ternary composite matrix over the quaternary one. Besides, further improvements in graphite-clay composite matrix properties facilitate the advancement of electrochemical sensors and supercapacitor devices.

Regulating V2O5 Layer Spacing by a Polyaniline Molecule Chain to Improve Electrochemical Performance in Salinity Gradient Energy Conversion.

Salinity gradient energy is a chemical potential energy between two solutions with different ionic concentrations, which is also an ocean energy at the junction of rivers and seas. In our original work, the device "activated carbon//(0.083 M Na2SO4, 0.5 M Na2SO4)//vanadium pentoxide" for the conversion of salinity gradient energy was designed, and the conversion value of 6.29 J g-1 was obtained. However, the low specific surface area of the original V2O5 inevitably resulted in limited active sites and slow ionic transport rates, and the inherent lower conductivity and narrower layer spacing of the original V2O5 also resulted in poor electrode kinetic performance and cycle stability, hindering its practical application. To solve the above problems, the present work provides a strategy of using polyaniline (PANI) molecule chain intercalation to regulate the layer spacing of the original V2O5, and through the expansion and traction of the layer spacing, the composite PANI/V2O5 (PVO) with high specific surface area is prepared and used as an anode material for electrochemical conversion of salinity gradient energy application. The significantly increased layer spacing of the crystal plane (001) corresponding to the original V2O5 was confirmed with the PANI by the hydrogen bonding and the van der Waals force. The high specific surface area of the composite provides more electrochemical active sites to realize a fast Na+ migration rate and high specific capacitance. Meanwhile, the inserted PANI molecule chain, which acts not only as a pillar enlarging the Na+ diffusion channel but also as an anchor locking the gap between V2O5 bilayers, improves the structural stability of the V2O5 electrode during the electrochemical conversion process. The proposed insertion strategy for the conductive polymer PANI has created a new way to improve the cycle stability performance of the salinity gradient energy conversion device.

Mechanochemical synthesis and characterization of poly[(aniline-co-N-(4-sulfophenyl) aniline] nanofibers and its nanocomposite with titanium dioxide nanoparticles and study of their efficiency in hybrid solar cell

The advantages of polyaniline for application in new generation solar cells include its cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendly synthesis, remarkable stability, and the ability to modify the bandgap through the synthesis of its nanocomposites. But a challenge for its nanostructures is the limited solubility in non-toxic solvents, including water, which limits their processability in coating techniques. We overcame this challenge by synthesizing its copolymer with diphenylamine-4-sulfonate and its nanocomposite with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs). So through a solid-state and template-free technique and using sodium diphenylamine-4-sulfonate, aniline hydrochloride salt, TiO2NPs, and FeCl3∙6 H2O as an oxidant, poly(N-(sulfophenyl)aniline) nanoflowers (PSANFLs), poly [(aniline-co-N-(4-sulfophenyl) aniline] nanofibers (PAPSANFs), poly(N-(sulfophenyl)aniline) nanofibers/titanium dioxide nanoparticles (PSANFs/TiO2NPs), and poly (aniline-co-N-(4-sulfophenyl)aniline nanofibers/titanium dioxide nanoparticles (PAPSANFs/TiO2NPs) were synthesized. Characterization of the synthesized samples was carried out through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectra, ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-Vis), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and elemental analysis (CHNS). The FE-SEM images clearly illustrate that the synthesized samples are of nanoscale dimensions. The band gap values of 2.23 eV for PSANFs/TiO2NPs and 1.96 eV for PAPSANFs/TiO2NPs nanocomposites were determined through electrochemical calculations based on cyclic voltammetry curves, showcasing the complementary properties of n and p semiconductors. Using doctor blade method to prepare films from synthesized materials and the architectural pattern of ITO│TiO2NPs│semiconductor sample│Al, all hybrid solar cells are fabricated. The I-V characteristics and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the samples were examined and discussed. The PCE values for the four samples were found to be in the range of 0.20–0.82 %.

A fully nanofiber-based ultrathin electronic patch for self-powered and multifunctional on-skin applications

On-skin electronics that simultaneously ensure biocompatibility and stable electrical operation on soft tissue is still challenging. This study introduces a dual-layered and natural material based nanofiber platform designed for multifunctional on-skin operation (from energy harvesting to transdermal drug delivery). The ultrathin electronic patch consists of polyaniline (PANI)-coated cellulose nanofibers and silk fibroin nanofibers. The top PANI/cellulose nanofiber layer, exhibiting the resistivity of 0.315 Ω·m and over 90 % light absorbance in full visible range, functions as a flexible electrode. The silk nanofiber layer offers the skin-compatibility and strong adhesion to biological tissues, along with the capability of drug-loading. The nanofiber mesh structure withstands mechanical deformation, including compression, stretching, and bending, while its porous nature enhances breathability and hygiene. The fully nanofiber-based electronic patch platform is flexible, adheres well to the skin, and conforms to curved surfaces. By integrating the conductive properties of PANI with the biocompatibility of silk fibroin, this dual-layered membrane enhances the efficacy of transdermal drug delivery while offering multifunctional capabilities such as energy harvesting in a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), programmable drug delivery, and thermal therapy. This innovative approach paves the way for advanced biomedical applications by combining multiple functionalities in a single platform.

Adsorptive removal of Fe and Cd from the textile wastewater using ternary bio-adsorbent: adsorption, desorption, adsorption isotherms and kinetic studies

Ternary bio-adsorbent was synthesized by using sisal fiber as a base with the integration of conductive polymer; polyaniline (PANI), supported with zero-valent iron nanoparticles by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide. The activation temperature impact on adsorption properties of Sisal fiber composite activated carbon was studied. The activation temperatures had a major effect on adsorption process as 100% removal efficiency was attained at 800 °C activated temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for surface analysis of the adsorbent. Adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin) were examined and the negative values of 1/nF\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$1/n_{F}$$\\end{document} demonstrated that the adsorption data does not match with Freundlich model for chemisorption. The pseudo second order and Elovich kinetics correlation coefficients for the retention of Fe and Cd to solid-phase interface at SF-800/NP/PANI (C) offered a better correlation for the bio-adsorption of Fe and Cd than pseudo first order kinetic. However, the pseudo second order kinetic attained a surpassing interaction for the bio-adsorption of Fe (0.989) than Cd (0.966); while the Elovich kinetic attained a surpassing interaction for the bio-adsorption of Cd (0.975) than Fe (0.945). The recovery and recycling stability of the bio-adsorbent composites were studied.

Preparation of magnetic chitosan/polyaniline nanocomposite for efficient remediation of nitrate and phosphate from water

A gel comprising of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide (HEAAm), N,N’-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBA), chitosan (CS), and polyaniline (PANI) made through microwave irradiation was evaluated for effective removal of nitrate and phosphate from water. The material was transformed into a nanocomposite by incorporation of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The nitrate and phosphate removal capacity of the nanocomposite was also evaluated in order to understand the effect of the presence of Fe3O4 on the adsorption efficiency of the gel. The nanocomposite exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity of 55.24 mg g−1 towards nitrate when compared to the value of 44.5 mg g−1 for the neat gel without nanoparticles. Also, the phosphate removal was enhanced from 51.4 to 60.60 mg g−1 due to the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The enhanced adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite is attributed to the increased surface area of the adsorbent (32.53 m2 g−1) arising from the contribution of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles embedded in the polymer matrix; as evidenced by surface area measurements. The superparamagnetic nature of the nanocomposite arising due to the presence of magnetite nanoparticles facilitates easy removal of the adsorbent after use during purification process. The mechanism of adsorption is confirmed to be the electrostatic interaction between the active sites on the nanocomposite and the adsorbate anions as indicated by XPS studies. The extent of adsorption and desorption as indicated by % desorption data and adsorption capacity values remained unchanged for about 5 cycles indicating the reusability potential of the material.