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Chapter 3-Section 3.5
3.5 Conclusions
When proper precautions
are taken, good interfaces between high-temperature superconductors
and conducting polymers can be formed. Additionally, good electron
transfer between the high-temperature superconductor and the conducting
polymer can be realized. Cyclic voltammetry also demonstrates redox
properties of polypyrrole / YBa2Cu3O7-x assemblies
similar to that of polypyrrole deposited on noble metal electrodes. Dramatic
differences have also been noted in polypyrrole when the self-assembled
monolayer template, N-(3-aminopropyl) pyrrole, is used to pre-treat
the superconductor before electropolymerization of polypyrrole. The
growth rate of polypyrrole when a SAM template is used appears to be
two dimensional, whereas, the uncoated cuprate sample appears to foster
three-dimensional growth. Moreover, there is improved adhesion to
the superconductor upon the use of a SAM template as seen in the adhesive
tape tests. The self-assembled monolayer also changes the morphology
of the polypyrrole. The SAM treated sample has a morphology that follows
the surface of the underlying superconductor; while the non-SAM treated
sample shows globular features that do not reflect the morphology of
the underlying superconductor. The formation of conducting polymer
high-temperature superconductor interfaces is critical in understanding
the electron transfer between these two unique materials.
