Synthesis of Antibacterial Conductive Polypyrrole/Titanium Dioxide Core-Shell Nanocomposites

Polypyrrole/titanium dioxide nanocomposites with different compositions (10, 20, and 30 wt % of TiO2 with respect to monomer) were synthesized via in situ miniemulsion polymerization. The FTIR analysis proved the successful synthesis of the aforementioned products. The quasi-spherical nanostructure was observed through SEM images. TEM analysis showed a core-shell structure in which TiO2 nanoparticles are embedded in the uniform and smooth polymeric shells. The conductivity of synthesized samples was measured through four-point resistivity measurements and the prepared samples possessed acceptable electrical conductivity. For the crystallographic study of samples, XRD analysis was performed. The diffractograms showed that the crystallinity of nanocomposite is improved comparing to neat PPy. The TGA analysis monitored the thermal behavior of the prepared samples. Antibacterial susceptibility test was performed to prove that the nanocomposite samples fulfil the antibacterial criterion for both tested bacteria specimen through the continues release of free radicals.