Electrosynthesis of polyacrylic/polypyrrole composites : formation of polypyrrole wires

A new preparation method is reported for the synthesis of conducting polypyrrole nanowires. This two-step all-electrochemical method consists in the cathodic grafting of a thin polyacrylate film on a carbon electrode, which is then used as an anode for the electropolymerization of pyrrole. Scanning electron microscopy shows the formation of polypyrrole wires (diameter ~600 nm lenght ~300 µm) growing through holes in the polyacrylate precoating. The effect of the experimental conditions, such as nature of the grafted polymer, solvent, and electrode, on the wire formation is discussed.