Electrosynthesis and characterization of conducting polypyrrole elaborated under high frequency ultrasound irradiation

The effects of high frequency ultrasound (500 kHz) on pyrrole electropolymerization in sodium perchlorate aqueous medium have been investigated. Cyclic voltametry studies showed that there is no influence on pyrrole oxidation potential. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, and mechanical and optical profiling, revealed thinner, denser and more homogeneous surface structure for polypyrrole films elaborated under ultrasound irradiation. This is attributed to cavitation bubble asymmetric collapse close to the interface, which should induce changes in the nucleation-growth mechanism during the first polymerization stage. An increase of approximately 27% in doping level for sonicated films was revealed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses.

Research highlights
► High frequency ultrasound (500 kHz) on pyrrole electropolymerization.
► Cyclic voltametry studies showed no influence on pyrrole oxidation potential.
► SEM and profiling give thinner, denser and homogeneous surface under ultrasound.
► An increase of 27% in doping level for sonicated films was revealed XPS.