Polypyrrole films prepared on self-assembled silane monolayers and applications

Polypyrrole (PPy) films were successfully prepared on the self-assembled silane monolayers (SAMs) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to estimate the surface properties of SAMs and hydrolytic silane. The deposition process of PPy films on silane SAMs surface was discussed. The PPy films synthesised on SAMs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the uniformity and density of PPy films were improved effectively by using SAMs modification and adding dopants, which could further increase the conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of PPy films. A maximum conductivity of 51·4 S cm–1 and SE value of 37·03 dB for I2 doped PPy films on SAMs has been achieved. The doped PPy films can be used for the practical EMI shielding application for commercial electronic appliances.