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Whelk‐like Helixes of Polypyrrole Synthesized by Electropolymerization
Author(s) -
Chen G.,
Wang Z. Y.,
Xia D. G.,
Zhang L.,
Hui R.,
Zhang J. J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.200600828
Subject(s) - polypyrrole , materials science , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , cyclic voltammetry , dopant , scanning electron microscope , chemical engineering , doping , electrochemistry , composite material , chemistry , polymer , optoelectronics , electrode , engineering , polymerization
A whelk‐like helix of polypyrrole was synthesized by an electropolymerization process. Its structure and properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry. The high‐resolution SEM images clearly show the whorls around the polypyrrole whelk body; these whorls have ordered periodic nanostructures on their surface. XPS analysis indicates that the polypyrrole structure is highly doped with sodium dodecyl sulfate, the chosen dopant. A novel spiral growth mechanism is proposed. The whelk‐like polypyrrole layer shows high thermal stability, superhydrophilicity, and strong electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of ascorbic acid.