POLYPYRROLE - A CONDUCTING POLYMER (SYNTH ESIS, PROPERTIES, AND APPLICATIONS)

Synthesis, properties and applications of polypyrrole (PPy), a represe ntative of conducting polymers, are reviewed. Chemical and electrochem ical methods for preparation of PPy and PPy films and effect of the co nditions of synthesis on properties of the polymer produced are discus sed. The mechanisms of electrochemical polymerisation of pyrrole are c ompared. The physicomechanical properties of the polymer, its morpholo gy and structure are discussed. The mechanism of charge transfer in PP y is considered in the framework of the model of quasi-equilibrium con centrations of polarons and bipolarons. The methods for modification o f electrochemical performance of PPy are reviewed, in particular, synt hesis of PPy from pyrrole derivatives with proper electroactive groups and introduction in PPy of electroactive dopant anions; effect of the se dopants on electrochemical performance cf PPy films is also conside red. Examples of PPy use are given. Perspectives of its application in various fields are reviewed.