Factors affecting the yield of polypyrrole colloids produced under electrohydrodynamic conditions

Several factors influencing the amount of polypyrrole colloid produced by e lectrohydrodynamic methods were investigated with the aim of increasing the yield of the process. The parameters investigated included solvent, pH, te mperature, sonication, catholyte composition, cell design, flow rate, anode size and condition, monomer concentration and supporting electrolyte conce ntration. Particularly important in increasing the yield were the use of so nication, temperatures above room levels, adjustment of pH by alkaline cath olyte, more efficient cell design, suitable flow rate and low monomer conce ntration. On the other hand, the amount of polymer deposited on the anode w as not significantly reduced by any of the factors evaluated. (C) 2000 Else vier Science B.V. All rights reserved.