Platinum–polyaniline nanofilms synthesized at a liquid|liquid interface with enhanced conductivity

In this work, a novel route for fabrication of platinum–polyaniline nanofilms at a liquid|liquid interface is proposed. This method synthesizes Pt nanoparticles incorporated in conductive PANI by reduction of H2PtCl6 to Pt nanoparticles and chemical oxidation polymerization of aniline simultaneously. The liquid|liquid interface offers a unique microenvironment for confining the 2D growth of PANI to form Pt–PANI nanofilms. The Pt–PANI nanofilms are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectra. The Pt–PANI nanofilms show enhanced electrical conductivity compared to the chemically polymerized PANI. The conductivity of Pt–PANI nanofilms is potential-dependent, which makes them promising reversibly potential-switchable materials.