Preparation and characterization of polypyrrole/ carbon nanotube composites using ZnO, MgO and MnO

Abstract Polypyrrole and multi-walled carbon nanotube composite structures were prepared by adding nano-oxides, including ZnO, MgO, and MnO. The fabrication involved manufacturing polypyrrole, adding nano-oxides and distributing them evenly within the composite. Analytical techniques, such as SEM, EDX, and XRD, characterised the composites. XRD results showed a hexagonal crystal structure for ZnO. At the same time, MgO and MnO followed a cubic structure with differences in peak intensities, reflecting the variation in the degree of crystallinity or purity of the materials. PPy exhibits a semi-crystalline nature, with a central peak at 2θ = 25 degree, reflecting a partial arrangement of the polymer chains and an amorphous nature. XRD analyses revealed sharp and distinct peaks of metal oxides, indicating a high degree of crystallinity. When PPy is mixed with metal oxides, the characteristic peaks of each material remain clear, with the possibility of a surface reaction leading to improved physical and chemical properties. For MWCNTs, a distinct peak at 2θ = 26 degree is attributed to the 002 level and less distinct peaks at 2θ = 43 degree are associated with the multilayer graphitic structure. The average crystallite size of all prepared nanocomposites was calculated to be 43.68 nm for M4, 3.4 nm for M5, 44.22 nm for M6, 16.99 nm for M7, and 44.76 nm for M8. The EDX test results also showed the element distribution within the composite material for each sample. In addition, microscopic image examinations of the internal structures of the composite materials were performed by SEM. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into understanding the fabrication methods and characterisation techniques of PPy\MWCNTs using ZnO, MgO, and MnO additives. The results could lead to improved future applications in energy saving, electronics, and sensors.