Influence of nanostructural additives on the properties of polypyrrole-based composites

Synthesis proceeding at the boundary of two immiscible liquids was used to prepare composite materials based on a polypyrrole (PPy) matrix in the form of thin films on solid substrates. Various inorganic species (Fe@C nanoparticles, MWCNTs, CdSe nanoparticles, and Al2O3 microparticles) were employed as fillers in the polymeric matrix. SEM and TEM imaging techniques were used to study the morphology, while cyclic voltammetry, conductivity measurement, and Raman spectroscopy were applied for the more advanced characterization of the materials (including the bulk phase). It was demonstrated that the proposed polymerization procedure is an easy, fast, and durable method for stable immobilization of various types of solid particles in the polymeric matrix. The obtained PPy-based materials were characterized by high conductivity and exhibited some new properties in comparison to non-modified polymer for selected additives, such as fluorescence or magnetic activity. According to the results presented, Fe@C nanoparticles and MWCNTs are promising fillers to maintain or even enhance electrical properties of polypyrrole, both in a solid bulk phase and as a thin layer. Moreover, this synthesis method is easily adjustable, while the introduction of the various additives opens the route for the novel and multifunctional applications of the type of composites proposed here. As an example, we demonstrated that the incorporation of Fesingle bondNsingle bondC catalyst into PPy matrix, according to here established experimental protocol, can be readily accomplished and leads to enhanced oxygen transport to an electrode coated with a layer of this composite containing magnetically-active particles when external magnetic field was applied. The newly proposed experimental protocol for the synthesis of PPy-based composites is characterized by versatility in design and ease of obtaining materials with the intended properties.