Properties of Cu Nanoparticles-Poly(N-methylpyrrole) Composites

Spherical copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) have been immobilized on the compact surface of potentiostatically generated poly(N-methylpyrrole) (PNMPy) films by applying a reduction potential of -0.60 V to a deionized water solution of CuCl2. Although the number density of Cu-NPs obtained using this procedure is not high (4.10(6) cm(-2)), the average diameter is relatively high (similar to 50 nm). The surface topology and roughness of films with Cu-NPs-PNMPy are intermediate between those obtained for as prepared PNMPy and reduced PNMPy. Analysis of the electrochemical properties indicates that Cu-NPs promote the electroactivity of the PNMPy, this effect being more evident for composited made with the thinnest PNMPy films. In opposition, the electrostability and electrical conductivity are not enhanced by deposited Cu-NPs. Similar findings are obtained for bilayered PNMPy-Cu-NPs-PNMPy films. (C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers