Polyaniline nanorods and hollow-microspheres prepared by using copper wires or rings as template

Polyaniline nanorods and hollow-microspheres have been successfully prepared by using copper wires and rings, respectively, as template in the presence of H4SiW12O40 and ammonium persulfate, which used as dopant and oxidant, respectively in this system. Different morphology of the resulting products can be obtained and controlled by using corresponding different shape of the objects. Furthermore, the template of this method not only needn't contain or react with chemicals but also the removal of it is extremely easy and facile without solvent or extra disposal. Meanwhile, possible formation processes of polyaniline nanorods and hollow-microspheres are proposed. The structure and morphology of the polyaniline nanorods and hollow-microspheres were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, Scanning Electron Microscope images, and Transmission Electron Microscopy images. Prompted by the high surface areas, small diameter, and porous structure of the prepared polyaniline, we constructed the polyaniline gas sensors and found that the polyaniline hollow-microspheres had better sensitivity than the polyaniline nanorods to NH3 gas.