Synthesis and characterization of organic soluble polyaniline prepared by one-step emulsion polymerization

Emeraldine salt of polyaniline-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (PANI-DBSA) in organic solvents such as toluene and xylene was obtained by a direct one-step emulsion polymerization technique. When the molar ratio of DBSA to aniline monomer was 1.5:1, solubility and electrical property showed a maximum value. The solid contents of PANI-DBSA was 8 wt.% in toluene. The casting film of PANI-DBSA was obtained on glass or plastic substrate under ambient conditions. PANI solution can also be easily blended with polyurethane and polystyrene polymers in toluene. Better electrical performance (up to 5 S/cm), good light transmittance (up to 70% at 500 nm thickness), were obtained and more homogeneous morphology was observed for the casting film of PANI-DBSA prepared by the present method as compared with that prepared by the aqueous emulsion polymerization. The partially dispersed PANI-DBSA particles of 50–400 nm sizes in organic solvents such as toluene and xylene were observed and the crystalline nature of these powder samples was confirmed from the XRD patterns.