Polyaniline Composites Research Articles

Porous structure of fixed sulfur and networked electronic channels in three-dimensional skeletal structure of polyaniline and MOF-derived materials

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are favored for their high specific capacity and energy density, but they have problems, such as electrode volume expansion and poor electrical conductivity, that need to be solved. In this work, a three-dimensional (3D) interconnection network structure (3CPC) material was designed and synthesized from the composite of polyaniline (PANI) and metal–organic-skeleton-derived nitrogen carbon (NC). PANI conductive fiber acts as a bridge between NC and insulating sulfur to promote electron transfer. A large number of mesopores and micropores in the 3D spatial network structure effectively fixed sulfur. Results show that the 3CPC@S cathode materials have excellent electrochemical properties. The initial discharge-specific capacity of the 3CPC@S cathode material reached 1220.1 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 C. Its reversible capacity was 1018.7 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention rate of 83.5%. The material frame was used to provide electronic channels, and the physical structure was combined to carry out sulfur fixation to improve the electrochemical performance of the cathode material. This method provides a new idea for improving the volume expansion and conductivity of LSB electrode.

Enhanced anticorrosion properties of composite coatings containing polyvinyl butyral and polyaniline-carbonized polyaniline

A kind of polyaniline-derived carbon material, polyaniline‑carbonized polyaniline composite (PANI-CPANI), was realistically applied to the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin matrix. The corrosion resistance of PVB/PANI-CPANI composite coating on 304 stainless steel has been investigated. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The surface morphology of the coating exhibited that the composite was uniformly dispersed. The tribological test proved the excellent mechanical properties of the coating. The adhesion of the coating reached grade 5B. Based on electrochemical test results, PVB/PANI-CPANI coating possessed the maximum low-frequency impedance and minimum corrosion rate under different corrosive environments. The long-term corrosion protection to the substrate could last for over 240 days in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. This work could be a new application of polyaniline derivatives in the anticorrosive coating field.

A novel gas sensor based on activated charcoal and polyaniline composites for selective sensing of methanol vapors

A novel gas sensor based on activated charcoal and polyaniline composites for selective sensing of methanol vapors

Efficient emerging contaminants (EM) decomposition via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by Co3O4/carbonized polyaniline (CPANI) composite: Characterization of tetracycline (TC) degradation property and application for the remediation of EM-polluted water body

Earth abundant transition metal-based materials are widely served as peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activators for degradation of emerging contaminants. However, the agglomeration of catalyst particles and metal ion leaching hinder their practical applications for pollutant decomposition. In this study, a Co3O4-carbonized polyaniline composite (Co3O4/CPANI) was implemented for PMS activation. The Co3O4/CPANI + PMS system exhibited high catalytic performance toward tetracycline (TC) degradation (degradation efficiency of 92.11%, initial TC level of 20 mg/L). Moreover, the practical application potential of Co3O4/CPANI + PMS system was well verified with three antibiotics (i.e., TC, doxycycline (DOX), and ciprofloxacin (CIP)) at highest actual aquatic environmental levels (1.0 and 0.5 mg/L). In the established Co3O4/CPANI + PMS system, both radicals (•O2−, •OH and SO4•-) and non-radical (1O2) contributed to TC degradation, and 1O2 was the dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS). CO groups, oxygen vacancies (OVS), redox pairs of Co2+/Co3+ species, and graphitic N all served as active sites in the PMS activation process, especially, OVS were crucial for the generation of 1O2. This study provides an efficient method for the synthesis of metal-based nanocatalysts with low nanoparticle aggregation and metal leaching which could act as a sustainable PMS activator for the remediation of TC-polluted water environment.

Advanced sustainable solid state energy storage devices based on FeOOH nanorod loaded carbon@PANI electrode: GCD cycling and TEM correlation

A cost-effective, environment-friendly polyaniline-wrapped activated carbon-FeOOH ternary composite electrode is developed by two steps facile method for the efficient and sustainable energy storage device. The HR-TEM analysis before and after cyclic stability (20 k cycles of charging-discharging) shows electrode structural stability and potentiality as an energy storage device. The ternary composite utilizes polyaniline (PANI) maximum, which reflects an increase in voltage window, and electrochemical performance. The voltammetry (cyclic) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) examination display specific capacitance of 213 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1 and 234 F g−1 at 2 mA sec−1 for 20 wt%. The drastic variation through EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) in equivalent series resistance is seen by the nyquist plot before and after cycling. The specific capacitance is 234.5 F g−1 at 1 Ag−1 for 20 wt% PANI composite. The energy(Ed) and power density (Pd) of the device are 45 W h kg−1 and 5997 W kg−1 at 2 mA and 20 mA, respectively. The fabricated device shows very advanced capacity retention of up to 89% and coulombic efficiency of 100% till the last 20 k cycles with a stable potential window. The fabricated device can glow LED panels (consisting of 26 LEDs) for up to 5.30 min. The device retention profile and stable potential window show its advanced structural stability up to commercial-scale cycling, which signifies the additional role of PANI. The HR-TEM and electrochemical results after cyclic stability are in correlation.

Characterization and synthesis of new adsorbents with some natural waste materials for the purification of aqueous solutions

In this study, hexavalent chromium Removal from aqueous environments was investigated by using polyaniline composites with some natural waste materials. Batch experiments were used, and some parameters such as contact time, pH and adsorption isotherms were determined for the best composite with the highest removal efficiency. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the composites. According to the results, the polyaniline/walnut shell charcoal/PEG composite outperformed other composites and showed the highest chromium removal efficiency of 79.22%. Polyaniline/walnut shell charcoal/PEG has a larger specific surface area of 9.291 (m2/gr) which leads to an increase in its removal efficiency. For this composite, the highest removal efficiency was obtained at the pH = 2 and 30 min contact time. The maximum calculated adsorption capacity was 500 mg/g.

Dual N-doped porous carbon derived from pyrolytic carbon black and critical PANIs constructing high-performance Zn ion hybrid supercapacitor

In view of massive accumulation of pyrolytic carbon black (CBp) from waste tires with low quality, it is urgent to explore its application in electrochemical energy storage to realize the high-value utilization of carbon resources and reduce the cost of supercapacitors. Herein, in-situ polymerization of aniline monomers on activated CBp (ACBp) with the introduction of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) for enhanced N content was first performed to prepare the composite of CBp and polyaniline (PANI), denoted as ACBp-oPANI, and then a dual N-doped material (ACBp-oN) was obtained via direct activation of ACBp-oPANI. The ACBp-oN product shows satisfactory specific capacitance of 335 F g−1 (1 A g−1) with superior rate performance as well as long cycle life in three-electrode system. The investigated charging/discharging kinetics reveal rapid electron transport and ion diffusion, which are attributed to its doped N and enriched channel structure. Besides, the assembled Zn ion hybrid supercapacitor (Zn|C), including ACBp-oN cathode and electrodeposited Zn anode, delivers an amazing energy density of 68.9 Wh kg−1 which is almost 4 times higher than that of conventional symmetrical supercapacitor (C|C), demonstrating more practicality. The research provides new perception into the high-value utilization of waste CBp resources in energy field and strategy for the boosted electrochemical properties of carbon-based materials via the suggested Zn|C energy storage system.

A binder-free CF|PANI composite electrode with excellent capacitance for asymmetric supercapacitors

In this work, carbon fiber and polyaniline (CF|PANI) composites are prepared by using an electrochemical polymerization method. The morphology and composition characterization results show that the PANI nanospheres are successfully synthesized and uniformly coated on the CF. When the electrodeposition period is 300 cycles, the as-prepared CF|PANI electrode exhibits good specific capacitance of 231.63 F/g at 1 A/g, high performance of 98.14% retention rate from 0.5 to 20 A/g, and excellent cycle stability with only 0.96% capacity loss after 1000 cycles. This is ascribed to the internal resistance that was significantly reduced without binders, which helps to the CF|PANI electrode maintains high operating potential and pseudo-capacitance performance at high current density. The symmetrical supercapacitor based on two CF|PANI electrodes connecting by acidic PVA-H2SO4 gel electrolyte exhibits an energy density of 6.55 W·h/kg at a power density of 564.37 W/kg. In addition, the asymmetric supercapacitor based on MoS2|MWCNTs and CF|PANI electrodes with neutral PVA-Na2SO4 gel electrolyte shows an energy density of 16.12 W·h/kg at a power density of 525.03 W/kg. These results indicate that the low internal resistance contributes to the high energy density of symmetrical supercapacitors and asymmetric supercapacitors at high current density and high power density, which is significant for its practical application.

Synthesis of hierarchical structure MXene/PANI composite hybrid electrodes for supercapacitors

An MXene (Ti3C2Tx)/polyaniline (PANI) composite was successfully synthesized by the etching of Ti3AlC2 MAX and a simple polymerization process. In the obtained MXene/PANI composite, a dense covering of PANI appears on the surface and interlayers of two-dimensional MXene owing to electrostatic interaction. The electrochemical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene, PANI, and MXene/PANI composite electrodes were investigated. The crystal phase data and morphology of the samples were observed by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the electrode materials were measured in a three-electrode system using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the MXene/PANI electrode has a higher specific capacitance of 458.3 Fg−1 at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1 compared to the pure Ti3C2Tx MXene and PANI electrodes and a capacitance retention of 95.5 % after 1000 cycles at a current density of 5 Ag−1, indicating that MXene/PANI can be regarded as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.

Ultrahigh sensitive and selective room temperature operable poisonous carbon monoxide gas sensor based on polyaniline ternary composite

In this research paper, the influence of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and lead tetroxide (Pb3O4) on poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas sensing performance of polyaniline (PANI) at ambient temperature was deliberately discussed. Through in-situ polymerization method, the PANI/ V2O5 + Pb3O4 (PVL) ternary composites was prepared by taking vanadium pentoxide and lead tetroxide in proportionate order of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt% with polyaniline. The synthesized composites were characterized and confirmed by using XRD, FTIR, SEM, HRTEM and TGA studies. To support the CO sensing, the DC conductive studies are carried out at the temperature range 20 to 200 0C. The PVL-3 (PANI/ V2O5 + Pb3O4 − 30 %) ternary composite has shown an increased conductivity compare to pristine PANI and other ternary composites. Using, DC conductivity graphs the activation energy was determined. For the CO gas sensing studies, the film of all the composites was prepared using spin coating unit. Among PANI and all the ternary composites, PVL-3 ternary composite has shown a good variation in resistance. This composite has shown a better sensitivity of 82 % at 25,000 PPMv level. Along with this the ternary composite has depicted an appreciable response time of 34 s a recovery time of 37 s. The sensing stability of the composite also tested for 60 days. The detailed CO sensing mechanism was discussed thoroughly.

Synthesis and characterisation MoS2 nanoparticles reinforced polyaniline matrix composites

The MoS2 nanoparticles was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The Polyaniline (PANI) and (PMCs) Polymer Matrix Composites (1 % MoS2-PANI) were synthesized by the polymerization process. The pXRD pattern reveals the monoclinic structure of MoS2 nanoparticles and its particle size was calculated as 25 nm. The UV–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra was in the wavelength range of 200–1200 nm and the band gap was calculated from Tauc Plot. The Surface morphology of synthesized materials were confirms the interface of PMC’s observed by High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HRSEM). The FTIR spectra confirms the MoS2 nanofiller present in the PANI matrix. The dielectric studies indicate that the prepared samples are strongly obeying the Maxwell-Wagner relaxation and the charge carriers follow the hopping mechanism.

Efficient application of new porous carbon nanoparticle composite polyaniline material in microbial fuel cells

Efficient application of new porous carbon nanoparticle composite polyaniline material in microbial fuel cells

Synthesis of zeolite-doped polyaniline composite for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue from aqueous solution.

The generation of wastewater has increased rapidly with the expansion of industries, hence, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The development of novel materials and technologies for textile wastewater treatment is constantly evolving. In this work, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue employing ZSM-5 zeolite-doped polyaniline composites is presented. To fabricate ZSM-5-based polyaniline (PANI) composites, the simple approach of in situ oxidative polymerization has been adopted. Different weight ratios of ZSM-5 have been used for the synthesis, and samples have been labelled as PAZe-1, PAZe-5, and PAZe-10. Different characterization techniques were used to characterize the prepared composites, including field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermo-gravimetry analysis (TGA). The photocatalytic performance of polyaniline, ZSM-5, and their composites was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue in the presence of visible light. Degradation results of the polyaniline-doped composites were found to be better than that of the polyaniline alone. When the photocatalytic efficiencies of different composites were compared, the PAZe-1 showed the best performance, with 99.9% degradation efficiency after 210min of irradiation, while PANI, PAZe-5, PAZe-10, and ZSM-5 show 38%, 82%, 71%, and 99% removal efficiency. Apart from methylene blue, the composite PAZe-1 was further explored for the degradation of other organic pollutants such as methyl orange, chlorpyrifos, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, and p-nitroaniline. To determine the reactive species involved in the photocatalysis mechanism, scavenger studies were performed.

Removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous environments using composites of polyaniline-cherry leaves

Composites of Polyaniline (PANI)-prune, peach, cherry, grape, fig and walnut leaves were synthesized under various conditions and were used to remove chromium (VI) from aqueous environments in discontinuous experiments. The results showed that the highest percentage of Cr (VI) removal (40.3%) belonged to the composite consisting of cherry leaves and PANI. Synthesis conditions of this composite were then studied to increase Cr (VI) removal. The results of the experiment on the various solvents are used in the synthesis of the composite of PANI-cherry leaves indicated that the best solvent (with 40.93% Crn(VI) removal) was water. The effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as additives on the synthesis of the composite PANI-cherry leaves were studied and it was revealed that the best-synthesized composite (with 51.64% Cr removal) was produced in presence of PVA (2 g/L), and the optimum pH and contact time were 2 and 30 min, respectively. Moreover, the adsorption process followed Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, and the maximum Cr adsorption capacity was 33.01 mg/g. The results of the FTIR and XRD tests and SEM images for this composite were studied. The SEM images demonstrated that the addition of PVA reduced the size of the particles and made them more uniform. The XRD test indicated that the synthesized composite was amorphous, and the FTIR test confirmed the synthesis of the composite.

Carbonization of MOF-5/Polyaniline Composites to N,O-Doped Carbon/ZnO/ZnS and N,O-Doped Carbon/ZnO Composites with High Specific Capacitance, Specific Surface Area and Electrical Conductivity.

Composites of carbons with metal oxides and metal sulfides have attracted a lot of interest as materials for energy conversion and storage applications. Herein, we report on novel N,O-doped carbon/ZnO/ZnS and N,O-doped carbon/ZnO composites (generally named C-(MOF-5/PANI)), synthesized by the carbonization of metal-organic framework MOF-5/polyaniline (PANI) composites. The produced C-(MOF-5/PANI)s are comprehensively characterized in terms of composition, molecular and crystalline structure, morphology, electrical conductivity, surface area, and electrochemical behavior. The composition and properties of C-(MOF-5/PANI) composites are dictated by the composition of MOF-5/PANI precursors and the form of PANI (conducting emeraldine salt (ES) or nonconducting emeraldine base). The ZnS phase is formed only with the PANI-ES form due to S-containing counter-ions. XRPD revealed that ZnO and ZnS existed as pure wurtzite crystalline phases. PANI and MOF-5 acted synergistically to produce C-(MOF-5/PANI)s with high SBET (up to 609 m2 g-1), electrical conductivity (up to 0.24 S cm-1), and specific capacitance, Cspec, (up to 238.2 F g-1 at 10 mV s-1). Values of Cspec commensurated with N content in C-(MOF-5/PANI) composites (1-10 wt.%) and overcame Cspec of carbonized individual components PANI and MOF-5. By acid etching treatment of C-(MOF-5/PANI), SBET and Cspec increased to 1148 m2 g-1 and 341 F g-1, respectively. The developed composites represent promising electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Preparation of high-performance graphene materials by adjusting internal micro-channels using a combined electrospray/electrospinning technique

The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based macroscopic materials show good application potential in many fields because it forms a conductive network with a high specific surface area. However, how to further improve its performance is still the primary problem restricting its practical application. In this study, the composite film of GO flakes and nylon fibers was prepared through the combination of electrospinning and electrospray technology at first. Along with the reduction of the GO flakes and disintegration of nylon fibers during the thermal reduction process, the rGO-based macroscopic material with internal micro-channels (GIMC) was successfully prepared. Because the number and size of internal channels are determined by the content and diameter of nylon fiber, it is convenient to control the properties of GIMC by using this preparation method, especially the specific surface area and pore size distribution. The optimized GIMC sample has excellent performance in the field of secondary batteries (1257.0 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1) and supercapacitors (185 F·g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1). In addition, the interpenetrating channels inside the GIMC can provide paths and reaction spaces for other functional materials. Based on this, the GIMC/ polyaniline (PANI) composite was successfully prepared by in-situ polymerization. The supercapacitor device based on the GIMC/PANI shows excellent rate performance and cycle performance. It has a specific capacitance of up to 892 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. This provides a new strategy for the preparation of graphene-based high-functional composites and lays a foundation for the expansion of its applications.

Functional impacts of polyaniline in composite matrix of photocatalysts: an instrumental overview.

The challenges associated with photocatalysts including their agglomeration, electron-hole recombination and limited optoelectronic reactivity to visible light during the photocatalysis of dye-laden effluent make it necessary to fabricate versatile polymeric composite photocatalysts, and in this case the incredibly reactive conducting polyaniline can be employed. The selection of polyaniline among the conducting polymers is based on its proficient functional impacts in composite blends and proficient synergism with other nanomaterials, especially semiconductor catalysts, resulting in a high photocatalytic performance for the degradation of dyes. However, the impacts of PANI in the composite matrix, which result in the desired photocatalytic activities, can only be assessed using multiple characterization techniques, involving both microscopic and spectroscopic assessment. The characterization results play a significant role in the detection of possible points of agglomeration, surface tunability and improved reactivity during the fabrication of composites, which are necessary to improve their performance in the photocatalysis of dyes. Accordingly, studies revealed the functional impacts of polyaniline in composites including morphological transformation, improved surface functionality, reduction in agglomeration and lowered bandgap potential employing different characterization techniques. In this review, we present the most proficient fabrication techniques based on the in situ approach to achieve improved functional and reactive features and efficiencies of 93, 95, 96, 98.6 and 99% for composites in dye photocatalysis.

Recent advances in polyaniline-based micro-supercapacitors.

The rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoTs) and proliferation of wearable electronics have significantly stimulated the pursuit of distributed power supply systems that are small and light. Accordingly, micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) have recently attracted tremendous research interest due to their high power density, good energy density, long cycling life, and rapid charge/discharge rate delivered in a limited volume and area. As an emerging class of electrochemical energy storage devices, MSCs using polyaniline (PANI) electrodes are envisaged to bridge the gap between carbonaceous MSCs and micro-batteries, leading to a high power density together with improved energy density. However, despite the intensive development of PANI-based MSCs in the past few decades, a comprehensive review focusing on the chemical properties and synthesis of PANI, working mechanisms, design principles, and electrochemical performances of MSCs is lacking. Thus, herein, we summarize the recent advances in PANI-based MSCs using a wide range of electrode materials. Firstly, the fundamentals of MSCs are outlined including their working principle, device design, fabrication technology, and performance metrics. Then, the working principle and synthesis methods of PANI are discussed. Afterward, MSCs based on various PANI materials including pure PANI, PANI hydrogel, and PANI composites are discussed in detail. Lastly, concluding remarks and perspectives on their future development are presented. This review can present new ideas and give rise to new opportunities for the design of high-performance miniaturized PANI-based MSCs that underpin the sustainable prosperity of the approaching IoTs era.

Synchronized electrochemical detection of hydroquinone and catechol in real water samples using a Co@SnO2-polyaniline composite.

The conductive composite Co@SnO2-PANI was successfully synthesized using hydrothermal/oxidative synthesis. Using differential pulse voltammetry, a glassy carbon electrode modified with a CoSnO2-PANI (polyaniline)-based electrochemical biosensor has been created for the quick detection of two phenolics, hydroquinone (Hq) and catechol (Cat). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements revealed two well-resolved, strong peaks for GCE@Co-SnO2-PANI, which corresponded to the oxidation of Hq and Cat at 275.87 mV and +373.76 mV, respectively. The oxidation peaks of Hq and Cat mixtures were defined and separated at a pH of 8.5. High conductivity and remarkable selectivity reproducibility was tested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, and cyclic voltammetry techniques in standard solution and real water samples. The proposed biosensor displayed a low detection limit of 4.94 nM (Hq) and 1.5786 nM (Cat), as well as a large linear range stretching from 2 × 10-2 M to 2 × 10-1 M. The real-sample testing showed a good recovery for the immediate detection of Hq (96.4% recovery) and Cat (98.8% recovery) using the investigated sensing apparatus. The synthesized biosensor was characterized by XRD, FTIR, energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Critical Assessment of Polyaniline-based Biocomposites for Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Aqueous Media

Polyaniline (PANI) is useful for the adsorption of hazardous substances because of its multiple N-containing functional groups, high adsorption capacity, superior selectivity and chemical durability. Although it is cheap and easy to synthesize, PANI has low processability and mechanical strength, which can be overcome by preparing composites of PANI with biomass waste. Biomass waste is a rich source of useful biopolymers, judicious use of which can also solve the problem of biomass-waste management. Furthermore, biomass waste provides excellent support and possesses functional groups, which help to synergistically remove potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from wastewaters. Composites of PANI have shown tremendous potential in the removal of PTEs from wastewaters. More recently, the focus of studies have been on PANI-based inorganic composites. Considering the environmental impact of these materials, use of PANI-based biosorbents would be more economical, environmentally friendly and promising. This review discusses the mechanisms of removal of PTEs by PANI biocomposites, factors affecting adsorption, characteristics and role of different biomass materials in the removal of PTEs, their advantages and limitations. This article also discusses the potential use of waste microbial biomass-polyaniline composites, which has not been fully explored thoroughly. The vast potential for future research has also been acknowledged, though much more study is needed before this method can be used to its full potential.