Mixed polypyrrole surfactant films obtained by electrophoretic engulfing of multilamellar vesicles

We show in this article that negatively charged multilamellar vesicles can be included in a polymer matrix by electrophoretic copolymerization. Polypyrrole is prepared by anodic polymerization from aqueous dispersions of spherulites containing the pyrrole monomer. The multilamellar vesicles are included in the polymer film simultaneously with its formation. The electropolymerization process is analyzed by both microscopic and electrochemical techniques (chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry). The inclusion of the particles inside the polymer films is also confirmed ax situ by scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. This experimental evidence confirms the role of dopant played by the multilamellar vesicles during the electropolymerization. (C) 2001 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.