Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 May 2016
In this work polypyrrole (PPy) and its respective composite with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PPy-MWCNT) was obtained by the chemical polymerization of the monomer pyrrole (PPy) in aqueous solution by the dropwise addition of a solution of ammonium persulfate (PSA). The obtained PPy as well as its composite (PPy-MWCNT) were used to prepare two self-assembled films (SA) by the immersion of ITO blades (Inidium Tin Oxide) into PPy and PPy-MWCNT dispersions with alternated immersions into Polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) dispersion, thus resulting in a bilayer. The SA films were produced with ten bilayers (alternated layers of PPy or its composite). The obtained films were characterized by Fourrier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible analysis, voltammetric analyses (square wave and cyclic voltammetry) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The SA films were evaluated to determine the chlorothalonil pesticide which is commonly used as anti-fouling agent in marine environments. The SWV results showed a reduction peak at around -0.8 to 1.2 V (according to pH). It was also observed a synergic effect of the composite film (PPy-MWCNT/PSS) to determine the chlorothalonil by increase of the peak currents.