One-step synthesis of graphene/polyaniline hybrids by in situ intercalation polymerization and their electromagnetic properties

Abstract

A new method is introduced for the preparation of graphene/polyaniline hybrids using a one-step intercalation polymerization of aniline inside the expanded graphite. The structural and morphological characterizations were performed by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Both the experimental and first-principles simulated results show that the aniline cation formed by aniline and H⁺ tends to be drawn towards the electron-enriched zone and to intercalate into the interlayer of graphite. Subsequently, an in situ polymerization leads to the separation of graphite into graphene sheet, resulting from the exothermic effect and more vigorous movements of the chain molecules of polyaniline. The interactions between polyaniline and graphene were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectra. In addition, the graphene/polyaniline hybrid exhibited a breakthrough in the improvement of microwave absorption.