Polyaniline compositions, processes for their preparation and uses

Abstract

Self-prontonated sulfonic acid-substituted polyaniline compositions, processes for their preparation and uses therefor are disclosed. The sulfonated polyaniline compositions have faster electronic and optical responses to electrochemical potentials comparing to its parent polyaniline, improved environmental stability, and improved solubility than the parent polymer, polyaniline. A process for producing the sulfonated polyaniline compositions comprises reacting the polyaniline polymer with concentrated sulfuric acid. The sulfonated polyaniline compositions are useful for switching an electrochemical response between a conducting and a nonconducting state. The sulfonated polyaniline compositions are also useful for conduction of electricity, absorption of electromagnetic radiation, modulation of electromagnetic beams and modification of the electromagnetic response of sulfonated polyaniline compositions by chemical or electrochemical means. The sulfonated polyaniline compositions are also useful as a high density erasable data storage medium for use in information storage and processing applications. The invention further provides electronic, chemical, electrochemical, and optical microelectronic devices which use and control the chemical and physical properties of the sulfonated polyaniline compositions.