Electrochemical deposition of polypyrrole–carbon nanotube films using steroid dispersants

Polypyrrole (PPR)–carbon nanotube (CNT) films were prepared by an electrodeposition method, combining PPR electropolymerization and anaphoresis of CNT. PPR polymerization experiments showed advantages of a dopant from the catechol family for the deposition of PPR films at reduced electrode potentials. The method allowed the formation of adherent films on stainless steel substrates. The amphiphilic molecules with steroid-like structures, such as carbenoxolone disodium salt, glycyrrhizic acid, ammonium salt, and sodium taurodeoxycholate, were used for dispersion and charging of CNT. The new dispersing agents showed outstanding dispersion ability. In addition to dispersing properties, electrodeposition experiments revealed film-forming properties of carbenoxolone and ability to form pure carbenoxolone or carbenoxolone–CNT films. The PPR–CNT films formed using carbenoxolone disodium salt, glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt, and sodium taurodeoxycholate showed diverse microstructural features. The dispersion and deposition mechanisms were discussed.