Polypyrrole self-organized nanopore arrays formed by controlled electropolymerization in TiO2 nanotube template

Abstract

A new concept for formation of nanostructured intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP) is demonstrated. Polypyrrole can be electropolymerized from an ionic-surfactant-solution in TiO(2) nanotube framework to form a geometrical structure of self-organized nanopore arrays. Polymerization is initialized selectively in the space between nanotube walls forming a mechanically stable polymer network with controlled wall thickness from 40 to 10 nm. Such robust polymer nanostructures are very promising for application in electrochemical systems of limited charge carrier diffusion length.

The role of (photo)electrochemistry in the rational design of hybrid conducting polymer/semiconductor assemblies: From fundamental concepts to practical applications

“…A very short cathodic step (-26 mA cm -2 ) was introduced to prevent change of the local pH. Note that the anodic step is short enough (10 ms) to avoid 3-dimensional growth of PPy after the nucleation step [171,172,192]. Employing high current densities (consequently high potentials), however, involves the risk of overoxidizing the forming polymer.…”

Ordered TiO2 nanotubes: The effect of preparation parameters on the photocatalytic activity in air purification process

“…1 M H 2 SO 4 + 0.15 wt% HF [18] or 0.5 M H 3 PO 4 + 0.14 M NaF [19]. The second generation nanotubes are fabricated using organic-based electrolytes, such as ethylene glycol + 10 wt% H 2 O + 0.135 M NH 4 F [20] or 55% (v/v) glycerol + 45% (v/v). H 2 O + 0.27 M NH 4 F [21].…”

One-Dimensional Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials: Nanotubes

“…For example, electrodeposition of conductive organic polymers (polypyrrole, polyaniline, PEDOT, etc.) can even be tuned to selectively fill the intertube space or additionally the inner tube cavity dependent on the applied conditions [511][512][513][514] .…”