Polypyrrole: a conducting polymer; its synthesis, properties and applications

The synthesis, properties and applications of polypyrrole (PPy), a representative of conducting polymers, are reviewed. Chemical and electrochemical methods for the preparation of PPy and PPy films and the effect of the reaction conditions on the properties of the polymer produced are discussed. The mechanisms of electrochemical polymerisation of pyrrole are compared. The physicomechanical properties of the polymer, its morphology and structure are discussed. The mechanism of charge transfer in PPy is considered within the framework of the model of quasi-equilibrium concentrations of polarons and bipolarons. The methods for modification of the electrochemical performance of PPy are reviewed, in particular, synthesis of PPy from pyrrole derivatives with the appropriate electroactive groups and introduction in the PPy of electroactive dopant anions and the effect of those on the electrochemical performance of PPy films are considered. Examples of the use of PPy are given and the prospects for its application in various areas are discussed. The bibliography includes 254 references.