Abstract

Modification with polypyrrole nanowires, PPy-nw, is accomplished directly upon the working electrode by electrochemical polymerization methods using mesoporous silica as a template. The silica template is prepared by a potentiostatic method, generating a homogeneous film over a previously deposited thin layer of PPy, so that PPy-nw grows within the nanochannels of the mesoporous silica and adheres firmly to the surface. Subsequently the template is removed to obtain intact Pt vertical bar PPy-nw with stable and reproducible electrochemical properties, and with an enhanced (about 360 times higher charge capacity) response after charge-discharge experiments compared to equivalent electrodes modified with polymer deposits in the bulk (PPy) form. SEM reveals the brush-type conformation of PPy-nw (30 nm in diameter). Thus, a cheap, simple, highly repeatable method is used in situ to prepare electrodes modified with nano-structured polymers, using electrochemical techniques alone. This could have a great impact on a wide range of applications of conducting polymers.