Composite films containing conductive polymer and metal particles

PPy layer having 2 μm thickness was electropolymerized and used as an electrode for CoCu solution. In CoCu solution, Cu seeds were grown by applying the deposition potentials of -0,2, -0,4 and -0,6 V for the time of 5, 10 and 15 s. After that CoCu particles were deposited at the potential of -1,5 V. At the end of this procedure PPy/CoCu composite films have been prepared. The applied potentials were determined by Cyclic Voltammetry from deposition solutions. Moreover, electrochemical characterization was done by current density-time transients, Mott-Schottky (M-S) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). From M-S plots p-type conductivity, carrier density (NA) and flat band potential (Efb) were calculated. EIS results were presented as Nyquist and Bode plots. The circuits of the composite films are R(CR(CR))(QR) and R(QR(CR))(CR). The χ2 values are on the scale of 10^-4 and the relative error for each circuit element is less than 10%. Linear Scan Voltammetry was used to determine both dissolution potentials and the current efficiency of CoCu particles. For each PPy/CoCu composite films, the current efficiency is calculated as more than 40%. Morphology was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The chemical composition of the PPy layer, Cu seeds on the PPy layer and PPy/CoCu composite films was investigated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry. Magnetic properties were analyzed by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer.