Conducting hydrogels of tetraaniline-g-poly(vinyl alcohol) in situ reinforced by supramolecular nanofibers

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014 Feb 12;6(3):1595-600. doi: 10.1021/am4043799. Epub 2014 Jan 28.

Abstract

Novel conducting hydrogels (PVA-TA) with dual network structures were synthesized by the grafting reaction of tetraaniline (TA) into the main chains of poly(vinyl alcohol) and in situ reinforced by self-assembly of a sorbitol derivative as the gelator. The chemical structure of the PVA-TA hydrogels was characterized by using FT-IR and NMR. The mechanical strength of the PVA-TA hydrogels was strongly improved due to the presence of supramolecular nanofibers. For instance, the compressive and tensile strengths of supramolecular nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels were, respectively, 10 times and 5 times higher than those of PVA-TA hydrogels. Their storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) were 5 times and 21 times higher than those of PVA-TA hydrogels, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and conductivity measurements indicated that the electroactivity of reinforced hydrogels is not influenced by the presence of supramolecular nanofibers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aniline Compounds / chemistry*
  • Compressive Strength
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Electric Conductivity*
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol / chemistry*
  • Rheology
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Tensile Strength

Substances

  • Aniline Compounds
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol