Decorating Polypyrrole Nanotubes with Au Nanoparticles by an In Situ Reduction Process

Au nanoparticle-decorated polypyrrole nanotubes (defined as PPy/Au nanocomposites) are prepared by an in situ reduction process. Polypyrfole (PPy) nanotubes are prepared by a self-degraded template method, and Au nanoparticles are deposited in situ by the reduction of HAuCl4. The size and uniformity of the Au nanoparticles that decorate the PPy nanotubes can be controlled by adjusting the experimental conditions, such as the stabilizers used-and the reaction temperature. The morphologies and optical properties of the nanocomposites have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Conductivity measurements show that the conductivities of the nanocomposites decrease with a decrease of temperature, and the conductivity-temperature relationship obeys the quasi-one dimensional variable range hopping model.