Helical Polyaniline Nanofibers Induced by Chiral Dopants by a Polymerization Process

Abstract

Dopant-induced helical conformations of polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers are presented. Right- and left-handed helical nanofibers of conducting PANI are produced using respectively D- and L-camphorsulfonic acid as the dopant, it is reported, as proved by the mirror-image chiral dichroism spectra (see figure). The authors suggest a mechanism for the formation of nanofibrillar bundles of helical nanofibers.