Polypyrrole-CuO based composites, promotional effects of CuO contents on polypyrrole characteristics

Abstract

This study deals with the synthesis of polypyrrole (Ppy) and polypyrrole–CuO based composites and investigation of promotional effects of CuO contents on polypyrrole properties. CuO was prepared by co-precipitation method while polypyrrole and the composites were obtained via chemical oxidation polymerization using FeCl3.6H2O as an oxidant. Various characteristics of the samples were studied through high technology equipment. There was no chemical interaction between the components of the composites. The polymer was amorphous while the composites were of crystalline nature and improved thermal stability as confirmed by X-ray diffractometery and Thermogravimetric analysis. The UV/Vis spectrophotometric study confirmed the decrease in band gap energy of Ppy with the content of CuO. The composites were of better electrical properties than individual polypyrrole and CuO. The electrical resistance of the composites was lower than the individual components of the composites. Similarly, the study of I–V characteristics curves confirmed the ohmic behavior of the samples.