Synthesis of PPy–silver nanocomposites via in situ oxidative polymerization

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method. The surface of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) was modified using polyvinylpyrrolidone to make them more compatible with pyrrole. Surface-modified SNPs were dispersed in pyrrole and polymerized via in situ oxidative polymerization technique. The molar ratio of monomer unit to initiator and dopant was 1:1:1 and the weight percent of SNPs in polymer matrix was varied from 1 to 10. The properties of polypyrrole–silver nanocomposites have been characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, thermo-gravimetric analysis and four-probe resistivity meter. All these characterizations indicate that the polypyrrole–silver nanocomposite is successfully synthesized via in situ oxidative polymerization and electrical extent shows suitable conductivity. © 2014, The Author(s).