We introduced a facile method to construct hierarchical nanocomposites by combining one-dimensional (1D) conducting polyaniline (PANI) nanowires with 2D graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. PANI nanowire arrays are aligned vertically on GO substrate. The morphologies of PANI nanowires can be controlled by adjusting the ratios of aniline to GO, which are attributed to different nucleation processes. The hierarchical nanocomposite structures of PANI-GO were further proved by UV-vis, FTIR, and XRD measurements. The hierarchical nanocomposite possessed higher electrochemical capacitance and better stability than each individual component as supercapacitor electrode materials, showing a synergistic effect of PANI and GO. This study will further guide the preparation of functional nanocomposites by combining different dimensional nanomaterials.

No abstract

Microporous polycarbazole via straightforward carbazole-based oxidative coupling polymerization is reported. The synthesis route exhibits cost-effective advantages, which are essential for scale-up preparation. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area for obtained polymer is up to 2220 m(2) g(-1). Gas (H(2) and CO(2)) adsorption isotherms show that its hydrogen storage can reach to 2.80 wt % (1.0 bar and 77 K) and the uptake capacity for carbon dioxide is up to 21.2 wt % (1.0 bar and 273 K), which show a promising potential for clean energy application and environmental field. Furthermore, the high selectivity toward CO(2) over N(2) and CH(4) makes the obtained polymer possess potential application in gas separation.

A facile approach to disperse graphene in aqueous solution is described. Triblock copolymers (PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO) were employed as the solubilizing agent for chemically exfoliated graphite oxide, and graphene formed through in situ reduction by hydrazine. The formation of the stable aqueous copolymer-coated graphene solution is due to the noncovalent interaction between the hydrophobic PPO segments of the triblock copolymer and the hydrophobic graphene surface, whereas the hydrophilic PEO chains extend into water. It was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Utilizing the dual roles of Pluronic copolymer in dispersing graphene in aqueous solution and forming supramolecular hydrogel with α-cyclodextrin through the penetration of PEO chains into the cyclodextrin cavities, we further developed a facile and effective method to hybridize the well-dispersed graphene into a supramolecular hydrogel, which was investigated by a variety of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheometer. The supramolecular hybrid hydrogel possessed a cross-linked network and showed shear-thinning properties. The viscosity and strength of the supramolecular hybrid hydrogels decreased significantly as compared to those of the native hydrogel resulting from the lamellar structure of the hybrid hydrogel because of the presence of the graphene sheets. Furthermore, the supramolecular hybrid hydrogel transformed into a sol upon increase in temperature. All these features made our supramolecular hybrid hydrogel a nice candidate in a drug delivery and controlled release system.