Au nanoparticles-functionalized two-dimensional patterned conducting PANI nanobowl monolayer for gas sensor

A facile route for the generation of two-dimensional (2D) ordered, large-area, liftable, and patterned polyaniline (PANI) nanobowl monolayer containing Au nanoparticles has been demonstrated with the monolayer self-assembled polystyrene (PS) spheres at the aqueous/air interface as template. Tetrachloroauric acid has been used as an oxidizing agent for the polymerization of aniline in aqueous solution. The morphologies, compositions, and structure of the obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the sensor response to NH3 of our products has been investigated and ultra-fast response and recovery behavior have been obtained, which endows our product in practical gas detector.