One-step preparation of conductive polyaniline-lignosulfonate composite hollow nanospheres

Electrically conductive hollow nanospheres with an average diameter between 100 and 200 nm were prepared via a one-step polymerization of aniline in the presence of lignosulfonate (LS) by using ammonium persulfate (APS) as the oxidant. The LS concentration and molar ratio between APS and aniline, the temperature and time for polymerization were adjusted to optimize morphology, structure and electrochemical properties. Uniform hollow nanospheres are best obtained at a concentration of 18 wt% of LS, at a polymerization temperature at 25 A degrees C, at an APS/aniline molar ratio of 1:1, and at a polymerization time of 1 to 12 h. This kind of preparation of nanospheres represents a simple and general route to polymer hollow nanospheres of controllable size, high stability, and optimizable electroconductivity.