Synthesis and characterization of a poly(aniline-based disulfide)/diisocyanate-modified graphite oxide hybrid by a grafting technique

Di-isocyanate-modified graphite oxide (iGO) was obtained by surface grafting of graphite oxide with toluene diisocyanate. A hybrid of iGO with 5-amino-1,4-dihydrobenzo[d]-1′,2′-dithiadiene (DTAn)/aniline (An) copolymer [P(DTAn-co-An)] was synthesized by a grafting technique. The reaction between the –NH2 groups of the P(DTAn-co-An) and the –NCO groups of the iGO was proved by Fourier-transform infrared spectra. The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed that the lamellar structure of the hybrid was destroyed and the nanofiber-like P(DTAn-co-An) was deposited on the surface of the iGO nanosheets. Compared to the P(DTAn-co-An), the electrochemical cycling stability of the hybrid was significantly improved due to the covalent interaction between the P(DTAn-co-An) and the iGO.