Toward optimizing synthesis of nanostructured chiral polyaniline

We report here detailed investigation into optimizing the synthesis of chiral polyaniline nanofibers using an oligomer-assisted route. The effect of temperature, monomer concentration, nature of oligomer, and the rate of oxidant addition on the optical properties of the PANI nanofibers have been carefully determined. Our results indicate that the highest chirality is achieved under conditions that promote interaction of the chiral acid with the growing polymer chain. These chiral polyaniline nanofibers are thermally stable up to 90 °C and are found to be stable against repeated doping–dedoping cycles. The as-synthesized nanofibers are partially crystalline regardless of their chirality. This partial crystallinity may be responsible for their chemical and thermal stability.