Modification of surface energy and electrical and thermal properties of spherical polypyrrole nanoparticles synthesized by CTAB for potential application as a conductive ink

Abstract

Polypyrrole (PPy) fine powder was synthesized via a chemical route in the presence of various concentrations of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The effect of the concentration of the surfactant used on electronic, structural, thermal, and surface properties of the final product was investigated. The sample prepared with the highest concentration of surfactant yielded mostly the best electronic, thermal, and physical characteristic properties, a lot closer to the materials used in conductive inks. The electrical conductivity of the sample underwent an increase of 320%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that all surfactant has been excluded at the final stage of the synthesis, and the results indicated higher doping levels for higher concentrations of surfactant used. Surface energy showed a dramatic increase, and spherical nanoparticles were seen in scanning electron microscopy images. The PPy powder became soluble in polar solvents, becoming highly hydrophilic and indicating good mass retention upon thermal degradation.