Cellulose/polyaniline hybrid nanocomposites: Design, fabrication, and emerging multidimensional applications

Polyaniline, a special class of intrinsic conducting polymers, has a wide range of potential applications in multiple fields, such as in biosensors, electronics devices and biomedical applications. Polyaniline possesses high electrical conductivity, low toxic contents, hydrophilic character, better environmental stability and nanostructured surface characteristics. Polyaniline has however a current limited set of applications because of its low degradation rate and poor processibility; for this reason, polyaniline has been blended with different nano/micro cellulosic biomaterials (i.e. cellulose nano crystals and nano fibers, bacterial cellulose and macro cellulose). Furthermore, cellulose-reinforced polyaniline matrices have shown significant potential for antibacterial agents, antioxidants, sensors, electromagnetic shielding device, adsorbent in water treatment, fuel cells, electrochromic and in biomedical applications. These biodegradable and environmentally benign conducting polymers have also been used in tissue engineering, biosensors, and drug delivery. In the present review article we have surveyed recent advancements in the synthesis process and progress of polyaniline/cellulose based bio-composites for water treatment, electrical devices, biosensors, biomedical application and other areas. The article aims at providing a comprehensive background on the topic, as well as at proposing innovative strategies among investigators for the use of these biobased polymers in future work. The various factors and conditions that impact the adsorption/deterioration behavior of cellulose/PANI composites during the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and other effluents from waste water have also been discussed. Additionally, a comparative view of various fuel cells, electrochromic devices and the electrical and magnetic properties of different cellulose/polyaniline composites has also been provided.