Synthesis of polypyrrole micro/nanofibers via a self-assembly process

Novel polypyrrole (PPy) micro/nanofibers were synthesized via a self-assembly process by using 4-hydroxy-3-[(4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl) azo]-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (Acid Red B) as dopant and ferric chloride (FeCl3) as oxidant. Experimental conditions, including the concentration of the dopant, reaction temperature and stirring state have been investigated for their influences on the morphology of the synthesized PPy micro/nanofibers. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The formation mechanism of micro/nanofibers was studied. It is believed that the micelles formed by the dopant and pyrrole monomer act as templates during the synthesis process. Two functions of aggregation and synthesis are proposed in the reaction system simultaneously, and the morphologies of micro/nanofibers are the co-operations of these two functions. The maximum conductivity value of the PPy micro/nanofibers was 8.56 S cm(-1).