Preparation of a nanowire-structured polyaniline composite and gas sensitivity studies

To obtain organic nanowire sensors with high sensitivity and rapid response times, based on the inducement effect of surfactants during in situ polymerization, nanostructured polyaniline composites are obtained by using a chemical oxidation method by adding a small amount of surfactant. A casting method is employed on interdigitated carbon electrodes. The gas sensitivity to a series of chemical vapors is examined at room temperature. The results indicate that polyaniline with regular nanowire structure is obtained when succinic acid is added. The gas sensitivity and response rates of a film with nanowire structure are much better than those of conventional polyaniline films produced by means of organic solution spin coating methods. The film described in this work shows good selectivity to trimethylamine and other related gases and, the reaction being reversible with the use of high-purity nitrogen.