Electrodeposition of Polypyrrole in TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays by Pulsed-Light and Pulsed-Potential Methods

Abstract

Using highly ordered TiO 2 nanotube arrays as the substrate for electropolymerization provides a high surface area for polymer deposit and vertical pathways for electron transport. The challenge is to deposit the polymer on the inner and outer walls of the tubes and to avoid the sealing of the tubes at the mouth. Ideally, this situation could be reached by filling the tubes from the bottom. We demonstrate here that by using pulsed methods (light pulses, potential pulses), the deposition rate can be controlled, leading to a better monomer supply within the nanotubular matrix. The parameters to apply for the deposition are greatly dependent on the nature of the anion in the electrolyte, which determines the rate and the location of the polymer growth at the electrolytic solution/semiconductor interface.

One-Step and Templateless Electropolymerization Process Using Thienothiophene Derivatives To Develop Arrays of Nanotubes and Tree-like Structures with High Water Adhesion

“…In the literature vertically aligned nanotubes are often prepared using hard templates, − but the number of methods developed to produce nanotubes on substrates in one-step and very quickly are not numerous. Among them, the electropolymerization is a choice process. − Shi et al was the first to report this possibility by electropolymerization of pyrrole in an aqueous solution of a surfactant in order to stabilize H 2 or O 2 bubbles produced during the electrodeposition process. − …”

“…In this process, first aluminum substrates with cylindrical nanopores closed-packed in a hexagonal geometry are prepared. Then, the pores are filled by solution casting − or electrodeposition − /electropolymerization, − followed by membrane dissolution to yield well-structured nanotube arrays.…”

Polyindole and polypyrrole as a sustainable platform for environmental remediation and sensor applications

“…Interestingly, pulsed potential methods and pulsed light methods can assist in improved monomer availability within the nanotubular matrix. E. Ngaboyamahina et al employed pulsed-potential and pulsed light methods to fabricate polypyrrole in TiO2 nanotube arrays 163 . By alternating the oxidation phase with rest time better control over the electrodeposition rate can be realized.…”

“…E. Ngaboyamahina et al employed pulsed-potential and pulsed light methods to fabricate polypyrrole in TiO 2 nanotube arrays. 163 By alternating the oxidation phase with rest time, better control over the electrodeposition rate can be realized. Other advantages include the higher electropolymerization yields by regulating the deposition rate using pulses of light.…”

Recent progress on nanostructured conducting polymers and composites: synthesis, application and future aspects

“…There are many synthesis methods for fabricating CP/metal oxides nanocomposites but mostly, two synthetic strategies have been employed to prepare the hybrids of CPs coupled with metal oxides: i) preparing nanostructured metal oxides in the presence of CPs by chemical reactions, and ii) polymerizing monomer in the presence of magnetic metal oxides. In both strategies, different approaches have been involved, including hydrothermal method [113][114][115], solvothermal method [116], calcination of M(OH) x (M: metal) nanoparticles [117], self-assembly method [118], thermal treatments, solution phase growth [119], electrodeposition [120], photopolymerization [121] and electropolymerization. For example, Table 4 shows the synthesis and applications of selected conducting polymer based nanocomposites with metal oxides.…”