Enhanced conductivity of polyaniline in the presence of nonionic amphiphilic polymers and their diverse morphologies

Liuqing Yang*, Wenling Wu, Yoshimichi Ohki, Yang Feng, Shengtao Li

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and its copolymers have excellent affinity for protons and contribute to proton transfer. In the present study, PEO and its copolymers, poly[(ethylene oxide)20-(propylene oxide)70-(ethylene oxide)20] (EO20PO70EO20, P123) and poly[(ethylene oxide)106-(propylene oxide)70-(ethylene oxide)106] (EO106PO70EO106, F127), have been found to significantly enhance the conductivity of polyaniline (PANI). After introducing these polymers, the conductivity of PANI is markedly promoted more than two orders of magnitude compared to that of PANI without additives, from 5.2 to 667 S/m. The molecular weight of PEO affects the conductivity of PANI/PEO. The mechanism by which these amphiphilic polymers are beneficial to the conductivity of PANI is studied experimentally and theoretically. The PANI/P123 prepared in the presence of PEO block copolymer shows gradually varying morphologies containing leaflike sheets, rodlike particles, and uniform chestnutlike sphere particles. This is similar to the morphology change of micelles with surfactant concentration. PEO, P123, and F127 are further found to have a positive effect on PANI as a material for sensors or supercapacitors, since high specific capacity and fast response rate are desired qualities in sensors and supercapacitors.

Original languageEnglish
Article number45547
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume134
Issue number47
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Dec 15

Keywords

  • batteries and fuel cells
  • conducting polymers
  • electrochemistry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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