Effect of polymerization conditions on reaction yield, conductivity, and ammonia sensing of polyaniline

Abstract

This paper addresses the preparation of polyaniline (PANI) via a rapid mixing method in which a nanosheet (nanoflake) structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The microstructures of acid- and ammonia-dedoped PANI samples were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of polymerization conditions (time and temperature of reaction, monomer/oxidant ratio, and acid type) on the polymerization yield, electrical conductivity, and ammonia-sensing performance of PANI-based sensors were investigated using a Taguchi experimental design. It was found that acid type has the most significant effect on polymerization yield and ammonia-sensing property of PANI. The conductivity of PANI films was mostly influenced by reaction time, reaction temperature, and acid type, respectively. Some interesting behaviors were observed for influential factors that have been comprehensively justified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.