Synthesis, characterisation and potential applications of polyaniline/chitosan-Ag-nano-biocomposite

Biodegradable polymers have greatly promoted the development of environmental, biomedical and allied sciences because of their biocompatibility and doping chemistry. The emergence of nanotechnology has envisaged greater options for the development of biodegradable materials. Polyaniline grafted chitosan (i.e. biodegradable PANI) copolymer was prepared by the chemical in situ polymerisation of aniline using ammonium per sulphate as initiator while Ag nanoparticle were synthesised by chemical reduction method and incorporated in to the polymer matrix. The as prepared materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform Infra-red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Moreover energy storage capacity, impedance properties were also studied. The main focus was on the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes to remove the toxic and carcinogenic pollutants. This polymer nano-biocomposite has multifold applications and can be used as excellent materials for enhanced photodegradation and removal of toxic contaminants from waste waters and natural water streams. In addition, the biocompatible materials with excellent mechanical properties and low toxicity can also be used for tissue engineering, drug delivery and electrical energy storage devices.