FORMATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MESOPOROUS SILICA MCM-48 AND POLYPYRROLE COMPOSITE

Abstract

The composite of polypyrrole and mesoporous silica MCM-48, polypyrrole@MCM-48, was prepared. The silica nanopores were impregnated with dichloromethane solution of pyrrole by the capillary effect, and then monomer was polymerized inside the silica pores. The polymer was deposited on the walls of mesopores. Therefore, mesoporous structure was preserved in the composite. The structural features and physical properties of the composite were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption. The polymer was extracted from the composite in form of long wires. The electrochemical properties of polypyrrole@MCM-48 composite and polypyrrole extracted from the composite were investigated. Both materials show stable electrochemical activity at positive potentials due to the polypyrrole oxidation. The electrochemical response of these polypyrrole wires is improved in comparison to the electrochemical behavior of polypyrrole incorporated into MCM-48 matrix.