Development of gold nanoparticle-polypyrrole nanocomposites

Abstract

Gold nanoparticle and polypyrrole nanocomposites (AuNP/Ppy) were prepared employing in-situ polymerization of pyrrole using tetrachloroauric acid as an oxidant in the presence of gold seeds. The oxidation of pyrrole and the reduction of Au3+ ions occurred simultaneously in a single step, which resulted in formation of nanocomposites based on gold nanoparticles entrapped within the polypyrrole layer. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy were used to follow the formation of AuNP/Ppy nanocomposites and to evaluate the size of formed nanocomposites.