Self-Doped Polyaniline Nanostructures for Casting Metal Nanorods

Self-doped polyaniline (SPANI) nanostructures were synthesized using a self-assembly process consisting of an active self-doping monomer (o-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, SAN) and aniline (AN). SAN plays the key roles of a self-doping monomer and a surfactant in the process of forming nanostructures. SAN-AN copolymerizations were carried out using the oxidant ammonium persulfate (APS) dissolved in the aqueous solution. The self-doped polyaniline demonstrates nanotube and nanofibril structures corresponding to the AN/SAN mole ratio of 4 and 1, respectively, through the examination of transmission electron microscopy. Reduction of ionic silver along the nanotubes resulted in the production of nanorod about 140nm in diam.