Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole/Au nanocomposites by microemulsion polymerization

A microemulsion polymerization method to synthesize polypyrrole/Au nanocomposites by direct oxidation of pyrrole using HAuCl4 as the oxidant is presented. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and n-pentanol is used as the surfactant and the cosurfactant, respectively. The obtained nanocomposite particles have a tetrahedron structure, where Au dispersed as ultra-small clusters of elementary gold are encapsulated by polypyrrole. The morphologies and structures of the nanocomposites have been characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Conductivity analysis shows that the conductivity of polypyrrole/Au nanocomposites is 12.6 ± 0.06 S/cm.

We were able to prepare PPy–Au composite particles by direct oxidation of pyrrole with HAuCl4 by microemulsion polymerization. Au particles dispersed as ultra-small clusters of elementary gold were encapsulated by polypyrrole. The PPy–Au composites had a tetrahedron-like shape with an average edge length of 80–100 nm. The conductivity of the composites was 12.6 ± 0.06 S/cm, nearly fourfold higher than that of pure PPy pellets.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Microemulsion polymerization is used to synthesize PPy/Au nanocomposites.
► The obtained particles have a tetrahedron structure.
► The conductivity of obtained PPy/Au nanocomposites is 12.6 ± 0.06 S/cm.