Synthesis of a hole-containing polypyrrole film modified by copper cementation

A simple procedure enables to obtain a hole-containing PPy film on SAE 4140 steel in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) solutions. The film characterization was made by electrochemical and morphological studies. The effects of electropolymerization parameters on the obtained morphology are discussed. The formation of the coating is conditioned by the nature of the substrate and surfactant and the electrochemical technique employed. Electrochemical investigations demonstrate that the hole-containing PPy film presents an increase in surface area. The polymer was modified by cementation of copper particles. The modified polymer offers a higher electrocatalytic activity for the HER than usual PPy. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43650.