DNA-encapsulated chain and wire-like β-MnO2 organosol for oxidative polymerization of pyrrole to polypyrrole

A DNA-encapsulated chain and wire-like β-MnO 2 organosols have been synthesized utilizing a two-phase water-toluene extraction procedure at room temperature (RT). The β-MnO 2 organosol was prepared by transferring KMnO 4 and DNA from aqueous solution separately to an organic solvent (toluene) using a phase transfer catalyst, mixing both organic solutions together, and subsequent reduction with NaBH 4 . The eventual diameters of the MnO 2 particles in chain-like and wire-like morphologies were ∼1-2 nm and ∼1.8 ± 0.2 nm, respectively, whereas the nominal length of the DNA-MnO 2 chains was ∼2-3 μm. Different morphologies of the MnO 2 organosol were synthesized by simply tuning the DNA to KMnO 4 molar ratio. The synthesized particles were successfully re-dispersed in different organic solvents for application in various organic reactions. The potential of the DNA-MnO 2 organosol as a catalyst has been tested in the organic catalytic reaction for the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole to polypyrrole, using the DNA-MnO 2 organosol as a potential catalyst. The synthesis process was simple, reproducible and robust. In future, the present process might be utilized for the formation of other nanomaterials in organic solvents, with specific morphologies and uses in a variety of catalytic reactions and energy storage applications. DNA-encapsulated chain and wire-like β-MnO 2 organosol showed pronounce catalytic activity for the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole to polypyrrole at room temperature.