Polyaniline/MWCNTs/Cellulose Acetate Nanomembrane Composite is a Pioneering Development in Electrochemical Sensing

Abstract

This research focuses on the preparation of composite materials consisting of polyaniline (PANI), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and cellulose acetate (CA). This material was characterized structurally, morphologically, and electrochemically. Two materials were considered, PANI/CA and PANI/MWCNT/CA. In the fabrication process, the following critical occurrences happened: monomer coupling of aniline, unfolding of the CA fibers to make nano-sheets, π−π stacking of MWCNTs to PANI chain, and ionic bonding of PANI and CA. Such events resulted in the formation of a layered nanomembranous material with increased surface and improved electrochemical performance. The MWCNT played the role of binder of PANI/CA, giving rise to new redox centers and transfer pathways. The nanomaterial showed electroactivity, conductive, hydrophilic, biocompatible and stable. Catechol and Ascorbic acid were taken as analytes, where the modified PANI/MWCNTs/CA electrode had better sensitivity for catechol. The prepared sensor had a good linear range (20 µM to 20 mM), fast response time (4 s) and lower detection limit [22.51 µM (Ascorbic acid) and 19.59 µM (Catechol)].