Recent advances in hollow and core–shell intrinsically conducting polymers for applications in electromagnetic interference shielding/microwave absorption, removal of metal ions/dyes and supercapacitors

Abstract

In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to hollow micro–nano-structured intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs), like polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). The availability of the shells and inner voids in the hollow ICP accounts for their tunable physical/chemical properties, offers low density, a high surface area, reduced length for both mass and charge transport, and offers promising applications in environmental remediation and energy. In view of this, the present review article is focused on the synthesis methods used in the fabrication of hollow intrinsically conducting polymers by means of hard and soft template approaches including template-free methods, synthesis of double-shelled hollow spheres of ICP, hollow ICP nanocomposites and core–shell structural materials of ICP. Subsequently, the review highlights the application of the hollow intrinsically conducting polymers, their nanocomposites and core–shell structured materials for applications in electromagnetic interference shielding/microwave absorption, removal of heavy metal ions and different dyes from wastewater, and as efficient electrode materials in supercapacitors. Finally, the review ends with a summary and future perspective on hollow-structured and core–shell conducting polymers and their applications in the above fields of application.