Fabrication of polypyrrole nanowires

An artificial muscle composed of electroactive nanowires or nanofibers would compare favorably to its biological counterpart in terms of generated force and speed, while devices based on discrete nanoactuators could perform functions similar to those of motor proteins in biological cells. A template synthesis method for producing polypyrrole nanowires is examined. Conductivity and electrochemical properties of resulting nanowires are evaluated, showing promise for future use as nanoactuators. Template synthesis is then extended to allow fabrication of polypyrrole nanowires directly on a planar substrate such as semiconductor wafer, enabling potential integration with semiconductor or microfluidic devices.