PNNL

Abstract

In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) thin film was electrodeposited on carbon nanotube (CNT) backbones by applying a constant deposition potential in solution with 0.1 M pyrrole with different electrolytes such as NaCl, NaNO3, or NaClO4. The hybrid films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. SEM images revealed the nanostructrure of PPy film generated on CNTs surface. The electrochemical and anion exchange properties of PPy-CNT composite film have been investigated. Nanostructured composite thin films of polypyrrole/CNTs were studied by cyclic votammetry between 0.4 and -0.8 V in aqueous solution to evaluate their cycling stability and capacity for electrically switched anion exchange. It is found that the PPy/CNTs nanocomposites can improve the anion exchange capacity and stability of the PPy-CNTs composite film, which may be attributed to the nanostructure of the polyprrole film, which offer the high aspect ratio of the film and ease of diffusion of anions in the nanostructured film, and the interaction between CNTs and PPy.