Synthesis and Characterization of Polypyrrole/TiO2 Hybrid Composite: Structural and Electrical Insights

Abstract

In this study, the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO₂–H100) on the electrical properties of polypyrrole (Ppy), a conductive polymer known for its promising application in various fields, is investigated. Pure Ppy is synthesized via chemical oxidative polymerization method, and a Ppy/TiO₂–H100 composite is prepared with 10% TiO₂–H100 by weight. The samples are characterized using Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The key finding is a significant structural change in Ppy upon the incorporation of TiO₂–H100, as confirmed by XRD and SEM, which reveal enhanced crystallinity and a more compact morphology in composite. Regarding the electrical properties, conductivity measurements revealed that the electrical conductivity of pure Ppy at 300 K was 4.81 × 10^–7 S/cm, whereas the Ppy/TiO₂–H100 composite exhibited a higher conductivity of 5.08 × 10^–7 S/cm, likely due to the interfacial interaction between TiO₂–H100 and Ppy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed similar trends, where the composite exhibited semiconductor behavior, reflecting the influence of TiO₂–H100 on the electrical properties. These results highlight the potential of TiO₂–H100 to modify the electrical and structural properties of Ppy, making it a promising material for semiconductor applications.