We synthesized nanotubes and nanowires of π-conjugated poly (3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) by using nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (Al2O3) template through electrochemical polymerization method. From scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope photographs, we observed the formation of nanotubes with diameters of 100–200 nm and wall thicknesses of 5–10 nm. Relatively long nanotubes and nanowires of P3MT (about 40μm in length) were obtained. To discern the structural and optical properties of the systems, we measured ultraviolet and visible absorbance and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. We observed that the doping level, the π-π* transition peak, and bipolaron peaks in P3MT nanotubes varied with synthetic temperature. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the P3MT nanotubes solution were observed at ∼490nm. For the P3MT nanotubes synthesized at lower temperatures, the PL peaks became sharper and the resistance decreased.

Conducting poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanowires were synthesized by using an electrochemical polymerization method with a nanoporous template. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of conducting polymer nanowires (CPNWs) with an open end. The formation and the electrical properties of the CPNWs formed were dependent on synthetic conditions, such as the doping level, the polymerization time, and the applied current. The measured electrical conductivity of a single strand of CPNW was ∼3.4×10−3 S/cm at room temperature. From the ultraviolet and visible absorbance spectra, we observed a π–π* transition at ∼2.1 eV for the de-doped systems. A field emission cell of CPNW nanotips was fabricated. The turn-on field of the CPNWs was 3.5∼4 V/μm at 10 μA/cm2, and the current density increased up to 100 μA/cm2 at ∼4.5 V/μm. The field enhancement factor of CPNW nanotips was ∼1200, which is comparable to those of carbon nanotubes.