Polyaniline analytic studies

Liljeroth et al. [80] used SECM in the feedback mode to study the electronic conductivity of a film of gold nanoparticles deposited at various pressures on a nonconductive substrate. They were able to observe an insulator-to-metal transition associated with a change in surface pressure. Unwin Whitworth et al. [83] have also developed a method to determine the electronic conductivity of ultrathin films using SECM under steady-state conditions. They obtained analytical approximations for the fitting of approach curves. The usefulness of their approach was demonstrated by investigating the effect of surface pressure on conductivity of a polyaniline monolayer at the water-air interface. 

To further examine these materials, analyte concentrations will be varied to determine the ranges of response and the limits of detection. Other work in progress is geared toward the measurement of nanofiber responses with varying humidity and temperature environments. In addition, diffusion studies are planned in order to more fully understand the interaction of analytes with the nanofibers. We are also working on developing new composite materials with polyaniline nanofibers in order to control the response of conducting polymers to chemicals of interest for these and other new applications. 

---