Carbon nanotube--conducting-polymer composite nanowires

Abstract

Polypyrrole/carbon nanotube (PPy/CNT) composite nanowires were prepared by a template-directed electrochemical synthetic route, involving plating of PPy into the pores of a host membrane in the presence of shortened and carboxylated CNT dopants (without added electrolyte). Cyclic voltammetric growth profiles indicate that the CNT is incorporated within the growing nanowire and serves as the sole charge-balancing "counterion". Transmission electron microscopy images indicate high-quality straight PPy/CNT nanowires with a smooth and featureless surface and a uniform diameter. The presence of the CNT dopant imparts high conductivity (Ohmic I-V behavior) onto these PPy/CNT nanowires. By combining the attractive properties of CNTs, conducting polymers, and nanowires, the new nanocomposite opens up new opportunities, ranging from chemical sensors to molecular electronic devices.