Polyaniline–carbon nanotube composites

Abstract: The key developments in polyaniline–carbon nanotube (PANI–CNT) composites are reviewed. Apart from in situ chemical polymerization and electrochemical deposition, a number of interesting approaches including the use of aniline functionalized CNTs and ultra-sound/microwave/γ-radiation initiated polymerization have been used in the preparation of composites. The structure and properties of these composites have been investigated by a va-riety of techniques including absorption, infrared (IR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy methods, scanning electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques, cyclic voltammetry, and thermogravimetry. The experimental results indicate favorable interaction between PANI and CNTs. The CNT content in these composites controls their conductive, mechanical, and thermal properties. The most interesting characteristic is their easy dis-persibility in aqueous solution. The performance evaluation studies of PANI–CNT compos-ites in a number of applications including supercapacitors, fuel cells, sensors, and actuators are highlighted