Polyaniline: An Inspiring and Extraordinary Conducting Polymer for Water Remediation: A Review

ABSTRACT Polyaniline is one of the remarkable conducting polymers that possess noteworthy values and widespread applications in a broad range of fields, including environmental remediation. Conventionally, polyaniline is synthesized through oxidative chemical or electrochemical polymerization of aniline monomer. Over time, numerous synthesis approaches for polyaniline have emerged, enabling its preparation in various morphologically distinct nanostructures. Many of its features depend on the synthesis method employed as well as the reaction conditions. Among the reported synthesis procedures, some are eco‐friendly, energy‐efficient, inexpensive, and capable of producing a highly pure form of polyaniline, whereas others are less efficient, costly, and environmentally unfriendly. The water remediation capability of polyaniline as an adsorbent, photocatalyst, and membrane material is a function of its physicochemical and structural characteristics, particularly the type of dopant material used during synthesis. Pure polyaniline has been extensively investigated as an adsorbent for the subtraction of a variety of organic and inorganic water contaminants and, to a lesser extent, as a photocatalyst. This review primarily focuses on the significance of polyaniline for water remediation; however, the fundamental features and synthesis methodologies of polyaniline are also discussed.