An XRD XPS approach to structural change in conducting PPy

Electrochemically synthesised polypyrrole (PPy) with 1,5 naphthalene disulf onate (1,5-NDS) counterions treated with simple acid and base was character ised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XP S). The as synthesised film was found to be amorphous with short-range orde ring in the polymer backbone. Ordering was lost after thermal ageing with e vidence of counterion degradation. Base treatment lead to loss of ordering as well as dedoping of the polymer whereas acid treatment at high temperatu re increases short range ordering. Conductivity was also increased dramatic ally with evidence of ion exchange. Ordering induced by the treatment was m aintained even after thermal ageing.