Oxidative chemical copolymerization of pyrrole(Py) and aniline (An) by copp
er perchlorate in acetonitrile was carried out. By varying the monomer feed
ratios, the copolymer compositions could be effectively modified. The high
-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis using monochrom
atized Al Ka X-ray source enabled the quantification of the proportions of
pyrrole and aniline units in the copolymers. The copolymer composition and
microstructure obtained were also characterized by Fourier transform infrar
ed spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrical c
onductivity measurements. The results of XPS, FTIR, SEM and conductivity me
asurements supported the presence of copolymers consisting of random segmen
ts of aniline and pyrrole units. The copolymers generally exhibited reduced
electrical conductivity, compared to those of the respective homopolymers,
probably as a result of the interruption of the polaron lattice by the pre
sence of the second monomer. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese
rved.