Temperature-Dependent Conductivity of Polypyrrole and Polypyrrole/ZnO Nanocomposite

Abstract

Polypyrrole (Ppy) and polypyrrole/zinc oxide (Ppy/ZnO) nanocomposites were prepared using a chemical oxidative polymerization method. Methyl orange was used as a soft-template surfactant to help spread the particles evenly and control their shape during the polymerization. These nanocomposites are studied for their temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. Ppy was mixed during synthesis with 5 wt % zinc oxide to improve its electrical and chemical characteristics. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis indicates that the nanocomposites have a cylindrical surface structure. In addition, the structural nature of the Ppy/ZnO nanocomposites is amorphous in nature, as indicated by the X-ray diffraction patterns. The Ppy/ZnO nanocomposites are ideal materials for various applications because they have high electrical conductivity that varies with temperature.