Electrochemical synthesis and electronic properties of polypyrrole on intrinsic diamond

Thin film of polypyrrole is electrochemically deposited on hydrogen terminated surface of intrinsic diamond exhibiting surface conductivity (5 x 10(-5) S/square). Based on a high bonding strength (40 nN) estimated by AFM-scratching experiments and local changes of surface work function detected by Kelvin force microscopy we suggest that the polypyrrole is covalently attached to the diamond surface via carbon-carbon bond while replacing the hydrogen termination. Electronic measurements show loss of surface conductivity of diamond after the polypyrrole deposition. These results are discussed in terms of electronic and electrochemical properties of polypyrrole-diamond system also in the perspective of its potential device applications. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.