Electrodeposition of conducting polymer fibers

Abstract

Conducting polymers are materials that possess the electrical conductivity of metals while still retaining the mechanical properties such as flexibility of traditional polymers. Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the more commonly studied electrically conducting polymers due to its high conductivity and stability in ambient conditions. A one step electrochemical process for growing macroscopic conducting polymer fibers previously described in Li et al's article (Science, 1993) was used to grow PPy fibers. Based on a schematic of the electrochemical flow cell used in the electrodeposition process, a physical electrochemical flow cell was constructed. Several trials were carried out in an attempt to repeatedly grow polymer fibers. The fibers grown from successful trials were analyzed and characterized by qualities such as length, diameter, surface texture, conductivity, and elasticity. There is room for further study involving optimization of parameters such as temperature, monomer concentration, and flow velocity of the monomer solution.