Synthesis of Conductive PPy/SiO₂ Aerogels Nanocomposites by <i>In Situ</i> Polymerization of Pyrrole

Abstract

Electrical conductive nanocomposite aerogels were synthesized through in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an oxidizing agent in SiO 2 gels. The effect of Py concentration on the electrical conductivity and physical and morphological properties of aerogels SiO 2 /PPy was evaluated. B.E.T. analysis indicated that the surface area of the composite SiO 2 /PPy decreases with increasing concentration of Py. CHN analysis showed an increase in the amount of PPy, from 13 wt.% to 23 wt.%, with increasing concentration of pyrrole synthesis. FTIR‐ATR analysis of the composites revealed bands in the region of 1500–1400 cm −1 , indicating the presence of the conductive polymer in the silica aerogel as well as the characteristic bands of Si‐O‐Si and Si‐OH covalent bonds. TEM micrographs revealed the presence of particles of PPy with the increased size of the nanoparticles. The composites were successfully applied as passive components, in RC circuits, for low‐pass frequency filters. The filters exhibited a cutoff frequency at approximately 435 Hz. The aerogels obtained in this work exhibited suitable electrical conductivity for use in various other applications in electronics.