Characterization of metal-implanted polypyrrole — Studies of Au(III), Cu (II) and Pb (II) interactions

Metal-deposited polypyrrole (Ppy) with the advantage of enhanced conductivities and catalysis has aroused interest in interactions between metal and Ppy. Recently, a Ppy-based NOx− sensor was found to be susceptible to interference from cations of Ag(I), Cu(II) and Pb(II) — hinting at a strong interaction between cation and Ppy. In this study, Au(III), Cu(II) and Pb(II) are chosen for investigation by cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV—Vis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results indicate that Au(III) interacts strongly with Ppy, while Cu(II) and Pb(II) adsorb snugly on the Ppy surface.