Electrosynthsis of large polypyrrole films by multi-potential steps method

Abstract

Polypyrrole (PPy) films were prepared by multi-potential steps polymerization in an aqueous pyrrole solution, with lithium perchlorate and oxalic acid as supporting electrolytes. Morphology and structure of PPy films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical behaviors of PPy films were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that multi-potential steps polymerization improves the conductivity of PPy films and large polymer films can be peeled off easily from the electrode without cracking. Lithium perchlorate and oxalic acid provide appropriate dopants for PPy polymerization. It was observed that the polymerization time and the current density have a crucial influence on the surface morphology of PPy films. Smooth and compact PPy films could be generated under long polymerization time and low current density. Multi-potential steps polymerization decreases the occurrence of peroxidation, which improves the conductivity of PPy films. The parameters for multi-potential steps polymerization have been optimized.