Synthesis of polypyrrole–Nafion composite films by gas phase electroformation

Nafion was introduced into polypyrrole (PPy) matrix by gas phase electrochemical polymerisation. This produced a uniform, homogeneous and conductive thin film of composite polymer. The films (PPy/Nafion) also show surface features of highly ordered structural regularity. The composites obtained were characterised by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and redox performance were investigated. The relationship of the anodic current of the composite with the various experimental parameters such as concentration of Nafion, current density, polymerisation time and temperature were investigated. Anodic current increases with the Nafion concentration, polymerising time, temperature and current density.

► Gas phase electrochemical polymerisation is used to produce a uniform, homogeneous and conductive thin film of composite polymer.
► The composites obtained were characterised by cyclic voltammetery (CV) and redox performance were investigated. The relationship of the anodic current of the composite with the various experimental parameters such as concentration of nafion, current density, polymerisation time and temperature were investigated.
► Vapour phase polymerisation technique is versatile and can be used to obtain a polymer coating on a conducting substrate to form a composite.
► The formation of composite increased as we polymerising time, current density and temperature. The polymer process was fast as polymers were formed with in the first minutes.