Factors affecting the yield of polypyrrole colloids produced under electrohydrodynamic conditions

Several factors influencing the amount of polypyrrole colloid produced by electrohydrodynamic methods were investigated with the aim of increasing the yield of the process. The parameters investigated included solvent, pH, temperature, sonication, catholyte composition, cell design, flow rate, anode size and condition, monomer concentration and supporting electrolyte concentration. Particularly important in increasing the yield were the use of sonication, temperatures above room levels, adjustment of pH by alkaline catholyte, more efficient cell design, suitable flow rate and low monomer concentration. On the other hand, the amount of polymer deposited on the anode was not significantly reduced by any of the factors evaluated.