Imidazolium cation mediated synthesis of polystyrene–polyaniline core–shell structures

Abstract

Herein we report a novel strategy to fabricate polystyrene–polyaniline (PS–PANi) core–shell structures using cationic PS latex particles without any further surface modification. Imidazolium cation functionalized monodispersed PS particles with diameter ranging from 100 to 700 nm were first prepared via precipitation polymerization and emulsion polymerization processes with the aid of ionic liquids containing imidazolium cations. Subsequently, AuCl₄⁻ was immobilized on the surface of PS particles via the imidazolium cations and acted as the oxidant for aniline polymerization, thus directing the core–shell structure formation as aniline hydrochloride was added into the system. PS–PANi core–shell spheres with uniform PANi shells were obtained. Furthermore, a seeded growth method was successfully applied in controlling the thickness of PANi shell. This is the first example in which the oxidant was immobilized on the surface of PS particles to direct the PS–PANi core–shell structure formation.