Ordered arrays of copper nanowires enveloped in polyaniline nanotubes

Copper nanowires enveloped in polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes were obtained by 'second order' electrodeposition into the pores of anodic porous alumina. The templated synthesis of copper nanowires was performed by both potentiostatic and galvanostatic methods. The morphology of the polyaniline nanotubes, copper nanowires as well as the copper-filled polyaniline nanotubes was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy. The copper nanowires were protected from corrosion and oxidation by the PANI nanotubes. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was performed for the microanalysis of the copper deposition into the polyaniline nanotubes. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to assess the electrochemical properties of the obtained nanostructures as well as the influence of the copper nanowires synthesis method on the properties of filled polyaniline nanotubes.