Synthesis and electrochemical properties of conducting polyaniline/graphene hybrids by click chemistry

Abstract

Conducting polyaniline nanofiber-grafted graphene oxide (PANINF-GO) hybrids were prepared by click coupling of azide-functionalized GO (GO-N₃) with aniline monomer-functionalized GO (GO-f-aniline) and then in situ rapid mixing polymerization in the presence of aniline. The successful synthesis of the PANINF-GO hybrids was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The chemical and electronic structures of polyaniline and GO could be largely preserved during covalent grafting via click chemistry, which was attributed to the enhanced electrical properties of the hybrids. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the polyaniline was embedded on the GO surface in the form of a fibrous morphology with covalent bonding. The click coupled hybrids of PANINFs and GO in this study demonstrated excellent electrochemical properties and high stability over repeated cycles.