Increased response/recovery lifetimes and reinforcement of polyaniline nanofiber films using carbon nanotubes

We have prepared high surface area, conductive, mechanically robust, responsive polyaniline-carbon nanotube composite films. These were produced by filtration from dilute dispersions of polyaniline nanofibers and single-walled carbon nanotubes. Unlike polyaniline alone, these composites are mechanically stable, maintain large intractable surfaces and exhibit greatly enhanced response/recovery behavior to changes in their local environment. This is illustrated by exposing the films to ammonia. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.