Synthesis of electroconducting narrowly distributed nanoparticles and nanocomposite films of orthanilic acid/aniline copolymers

A unique strategy for synthesis of narrowly distributed and inherently self-stabilized copolymer nanoparticles by a simple emulsifier-free polymerization from orthanilic acid and aniline was developed. The polymerization yield, electrical conductivity, size, and its distribution of the nanoparticles could be simultaneously optimized by facilely regulating the comonomer ratio, oxidant/comonomer ratio, polymerization temperature, and time. In particular, the nanoparticles evermore exhibit a size polydispersity index down to 1.066 and strong redispersibility in water or polymer solutions. This facile synthesis of functional nanoparticles using orthanilic acid as vital comonomer readily affords yields up to 80%. A low percolation threshold of the nanoparticles/cellulose diacetate and poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films was found to be 0.18 and 0.07 wt %, respectively. This study opens a simple and general route for fabrication of nanostructured polymer materials with controllable size, narrow size distribution, intrinsic self-stability, strong dispersibility, high purity, and regulable electroconductivity.