Synthesis of diphenylalanine/polyaniline core/shell conducting nanowires by peptide self-assembly.

Breaking the mold: Self-assembled peptide nanowires were used as a template for the synthesis of hollow polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes (see scanning electron microscopy images). The thickness and the morphology of the PANI nanostructures could be controlled readily either by varying the reaction time or by applying multiple PANI coatings.