Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• PANI/ZIF composites synergistically combine the electrical conductivity of polyaniline with the high surface area and tunable porosity of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, enhancing electrochemical performance. • These composites show promise in batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, and electrochemical sensing, with improved stability and efficiency. • The Tafel constant in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) analysis provides insights into the catalytic activity and reaction kinetics of PANI/ZIF composites. • Optimization of synthesis parameters and composite morphology is crucial for maximizing the electrochemical functionality of PANI/ZIF materials.
Abstract
Polyaniline (PANI) has recently gained attention due to its cost-effectiveness, environmental stability, multiple oxidation and reduction reactions, ease of handling, and electrochemical performance. Conversely, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks have attracted interest because of their exceptional morphology, high surface area, tunable porosity, suitable functional linkers, and metal sites. This chapter explores recent advances in the synthesis of PANI doped with ZIF composites and their potential applications in batteries, conversion technologies, electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, and electrochemical sensing. Additionally, insights into the Tafel constant in HER analysis are discussed, along with its practical benefits. By reviewing current research developments, we aim to elucidate strategies to optimise the electrochemical performance of polyaniline doped with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, known as PANI/ZIF composite.
1. Introduction
The search for more effective energy conversion, storage, and electrochemical sensing materials has intensified globally. This search is driven by the need to find more sustainable energy systems used in portable devices (Das et al., 2022; Lai et al., 2024). Conducting polymers such as polyaniline (PANI) have attained researchers' attention due to their cost-effectiveness, electrical conductivity, and their outstanding environmental stability (Muharemovic et al., 2009; Mashao et al., 2019). The outstanding properties of PANI arise from its backbone structure, consisting of alternative ring heteroatoms (Molapo et al., 2012). Moreover, PANI exists in different forms, depending on the number of atoms and protons in its structure. Among these forms, the emeraldine form exhibits outstanding conductivity. The outstanding conductivity of the emeraldine form of PANI arises from its partially oxidised structure (Ahlatcioglu et al., 2014; Lee et al., 2024).
Meanwhile, Metal Organic Frameworks such as Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) have been considered due to their adaptable chemical properties and porosity. Furthermore, researchers have widely studied them due to their higher surface area and thermal stability (Mashao et al., 2019). ZIFs are made up of metal centers or ions coordinated to imidazole organic linkers (Monama et al., 2019). The three-dimensional structure of ZIFs comprises well-defined pores and channels, easily tailored for various applications. ZIFs have wide applications in catalysis, separation, and sensing (Malka et al., 2021). The advantages of ZIFs include their biodegradable nature, which can be discarded without causing harm to the environment (Arbab et al., 2024; Maleki et al., 2020).
Previous reports have shown that the integration of PANI with ZIF creates a composite that synergically leverages the strengths of both materials. The composite is ideal for batteries, sensors, and supercapacitors (Tang et al., 2022). Several reports explored the electrochemical performances of conducting polymers and ZIFs. They further studied how to enhance their properties. Avci et al. (2018) synthesised a novel multi-layered ZIF composite and highlighted that adding functional inorganic nanoparticles could enhance the catalytic activity while maintaining the structural properties of ZIF. Pašti et al. (2018) explored nanocarbons derived from polypyrrole and PANI, illustrating their exceptional electrochemical performance across different energy storage applications (Pašti et al., n.d.). Cao et al. (2023) examined the impact of ZIF-L morphology on the composite membrane for heavy metal ion separation. Their findings highlighted that structural characteristics affect the electrochemical performance of composite materials (Cao et al., 2023). Research by Tomczykowa and Plonska-Brzezinska (2019) offered a comprehensive overview of conducting polymers, outlining their biocompatibility and physicochemical properties essential to improve electrochemical performance (Tomczykowa & Plonska-Brzezinska, 2019). These studies collectively highlight the need for further research in designing PANI/ZIF composites to exploit their potential in various electroc...
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Gloria Mashao, Orpah Zinyemba (2025). Synthesis and applications of polyaniline/zeolitic imidazolate framework composites: Implications on the electrochemical performance and perspective for enhanced functionality- Review. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2025-4-5)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are PANI/ZIF composites?
PANI/ZIF composites are materials formed by integrating polyaniline (PANI), a conducting polymer, with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a class of metal-organic frameworks. This combination leverages the electrical conductivity of PANI and the high surface area, porosity, and thermal stability of ZIFs, resulting in enhanced electrochemical properties.
What are the main applications of PANI/ZIF composites?
PANI/ZIF composites are used in various electrochemical applications including batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, and electrochemical sensing. Their synergistic properties make them suitable for energy storage and conversion technologies.
How does the Tafel constant relate to the performance of PANI/ZIF composites?
The Tafel constant is a key parameter in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) analysis. It provides insights into the catalytic activity and reaction kinetics of the composite. A lower Tafel slope indicates faster reaction rates and better catalytic efficiency, which is crucial for optimizing the electrochemical performance of PANI/ZIF materials.
Why is the emeraldine form of polyaniline particularly conductive?
The emeraldine form of polyaniline is partially oxidized, which allows for the presence of both reduced and oxidized segments in its backbone. This unique structure facilitates charge delocalization and hopping, leading to outstanding electrical conductivity compared to other forms of PANI.
What are the environmental benefits of using ZIFs in composites?
ZIFs are biodegradable and can be disposed of without causing harm to the environment. This makes them an environmentally friendly component in composite materials, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable technologies.
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