Nanocomposites glass conductive polymers

We report on the preparation and characterization of two glass/conducting p olymer nanocomposites obtained by the in situ oxidative polymerization of p yrrole and aniline inside the pores of Porous Vycor Glass (PVG), Oxidative polymerization of pyrrole was done via Cu2+ cation impregnated in the PVG p ores. The polymerization of aniline was undertaken by impregnating PVG with the monomer, followed by an acid solution of (NH4)(2)S2O8. These nanocompo sites were characterized by diffuse reflectance FT infrared spectroscopy, U V-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectr oscopy, solid state C-13 and Si-29 CP-MAS-NMR, scanning electron microscopy , transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and conductivity mea surements. The results showed that both polymers are formed inside the PVG pores in their oxidized conductive state, with the Si-O- groups bf the glas s surface acting as counter-anions. The dimensions of the pores of the glas s preclude cross-linking of the polymers, allowing only formations of linea r chains. The results suggest the formation of polymeric wires in the bulk of the glass substrate. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.