Vertically Oriented Silica Mesochannels as the Template for Electrodeposition of Polyaniline Nanostructures and Their Electrocatalytic and Electroanalytical Applications

Graphical Caught on film : Mesoporous silica films (MSF) with vertically oriented mesochannels on a conductive substrate serve as a hard-template for electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI; ITO=indium tin oxide; see figure). Such PANI nanostructures are confined in an orderly fashion in silica mesochannels and produce a robust hybrid film. The film displays good electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of ascorbic acid and can be used for potentiometric pH-sensing. A mesoporous silica film (MSF) with vertically oriented mesochannels on a conductive substrate serves as a hard-template for electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI). The PANI nanostructures thus prepared are orderly confined in silica mesochannels, eventually producing a robust hybrid film. The film displays a good electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of ascorbic acid, and can be used for potentiometric pH sensing with a Nernstian response.