Influence of Ammonium Hydroxide Treatment on Structural Stability of Polyaniline/Multi–Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

Abstract

The composites consisting of multi–walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) core and polyaniline (PANI) shell were prepared in aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, and then a de–doping process was achieved through a simple ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) treatment. The influences of NH4OH treatment on the morphology, microstructure and thermal stability of the as–prepared composites were studied. It is found that after the removal of hydrochloric acid (HCl) as a volatile dopant and the low molecular weight components, structural stability of the treated composite could be achieved, leading to a significant enhancement on thermal properties.