Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole@MCM-41 nanocomposites

Abstract A nanocomposite of polypyrrole@MCM-41 was prepared. The silica nanopores were impregnated with a dichloromethane solution of pyrrole by the capillary effect and then monomer chemically polymerized inside the silica pores. In this way, the polypyrrole was deposited on the mesopore walls. The composite was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and cyclic voltammetry. The polymers were extracted from the composites in the form of long wires. The electrochemical properties of both polypyrrole@MCM-41 and polypyrrole wires were investigated. The material shows stable electrochemical activity at positive potentials due to polymer oxidation. The electrochemical properties of polypyrrole@MCM-41 composite were compared with results of the electron density state calculations using DFT method.