Growth and characterization of nanosized structures of conducting polymers

Nanosized dots and wires of conducting polymers including polypyrrole and p olyaniline have been grown electrochemically on gold electrodes modified wi th molecular templates. Modified electrodes were prepared by dipping gold e lectrodes in solutions containing appropriate ratios of template molecules such as thiolated beta -cyclodextrin or 4-aminothiophenol and spacer molecu les such as hexadecanethiol. The nanostructures of the polymer were then gr own by electrochemical oxidation of monomer molecules. Electrochemical prop erties including impedance and morphology of the polymer dots and wires thu s prepared have been studied.