Comparison of carbonized and activated polypyrrole globules, nanofibers, and nanotubes as conducting nanomaterials and adsorbents of organic dye

Polypyrrole globules, nanofibers and nanotubes were activated by their carbonization at 650 °C in the 3:1 mass excess of molten potassium hydroxide argon. They have been compared with parent polypyrroles analogous samples obtained absence hydroxide. The yields after activation, 12–18 wt%, lower to carbonization, which exceeded 50 wt%. changes molecular structure are discussed on basis FTIR Raman spectra. One-dimensional morphologies, especially nanotubes, superior globules most respects. higher conductivity close 10 S cm−1, was reduced two orders magnitude but partly recovered activation. specific surface areas order tens m2g−1 several times globules. not changed increased upon tested as adsorbents anionic azo dye, Reactive Black 5. Activated performed best adsorption followed nanofibers. mechanism dye is proposed considering presence tautomers identified