Metal-like conductivity exhibited by triboelectrically deposited polyaniline (emeraldine base) particles on microtextured SiC surfaces

We demonstrate a simple and rapid way to deposit layers of polyaniline (emeraldine base) particles on flexible microtextured silicon carbide surfaces by contact charging them using a smooth dielectric rubber. Wetting of the layers by trifluoroacetic acid creates conductive, continuous polymeric films after drying. Pre-functionalization of the textured surfaces with anionic surfactants prevents particle coagulation during contact charging and decreases sheet resistance to metal-like levels (similar to 60 Omega/square). Conductivity of the films can be tuned by controlling the rate of acid evaporation. Conductive films are highly stable under ambient conditions and show no hysteresis when biased with zero delay-time. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4717465]