Facile synthesis of raspberry-like aniline oligomers with excellent adsorption–desorption properties

Raspberry-like nanostructured aniline oligomers were synthesized by using copper acetate as an oxidant in the presence of p-phenylenediamine. The formation of raspberry-like nanostructures perhaps has originated from the assembly of smaller nanoparticles in order to decrease the total surface energy. The introduction of p-phenylenediamine accelerated the polymerization rate and was beneficial for the generation of nearly monodispersed aniline oligomers. A kinetic control process might exist in the preparation of raspberry-like aniline oligomers. Furthermore, versatile nanostructured aniline oligomers, including hollow and linked ones, could be achieved by further oxidation and by decreasing the pH. Compared with polyaniline spheres with smooth surface, the product showed superior adsorption–desorption properties.