Electrochemical formation of N–substituted polypyrrole nanowires, microwires and open microtubes and their decoration with copper structures

The substituted pyrrole monomer, N–(2–cyanoethyl)pyrrole, was electropolymerised in a 70% water and 30% ethanol solution with ClO4– H2PO4– as the dopant species to give nanowires at short electropolymerisation times microwires longer deposition periods. On adding toluene solution, hollow microtubes were formed. This attributed adsorption of droplets electrode surface which served separate dopants from monomer being highly soluble droplet inorganic water/ethanol mixture. As result confined toluene-water/ethanol interface. These polymer systems exhibit redox activity oxidation wave centred about 0.40 V vs SCE, broader reduction positioned between 0.75 0.25 SCE. Although N-substitution reduces conductivity polymer, various copper deposits, including cubes, leaves hierarchical structures deposited using high overpotentials. wrapped around considerable distances, typically 3–4 µm, substrate.