Inkjet Printable Organic-Inorganic Hybrids Based On Polyaniline

Polyaniline (PANI) is an organic polymer that has generated significant interest as an electrically conductive material component, and is used in applications such as sensors and flexible displays. A significant number of PANI-based devices have been prepared using inkjet printing; a fabrication technique favoured for its additive patterning ability and its efficient use of material. Combining precious metals and conducting organic polymers through compositing provides combinatorial materials, potentially possessing both the properties of the metallic component and the conducting polymer, as well as unique ensuing properties due to the compositing itself. The type of research is critical for driving innovation in materials research. Exploiting an established oxidative polymerisation protocol for producing stable nanodispersions of PANI was used where the standard oxidant was replaced with HAuCl4 or AgNO3 at a range of monomer:oxidant ratios to produce a range of composite dispersions. The morphology and populations of the metallic structures (including spherical nanoparticles and nano-whiskers), as well as the quality of the PANI were shown to be influenced by the concentration and type of oxidant used. This area of research is currently in its infancy where the research is focusing on demonstrating composite synthesis rather than the application of these materials for device fabrication. However, anticipated applications of these composite materials include noble metal deposition, electro-catalysis, neural tissue engineering, sensors, photovoltaic cells and memory devices.