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5.6 Conclusions

The evidence points to polypyrrole intercalation into the lattice of the Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+x superconductor.  Though the final material is not superconducting, the controlled insertion of polypyrrole has been demonstrated.  Elemental analysis reveals that carbon and nitrogen exist within the ceramic superconductor in the correct proportions expected for polypyrrole.  Further, chemical dissolving of the superconductor lattice and thermal gravimetric analysis reveal that pyrrole is in the form of polypyrrole.  Scanning electron microscopy also confirms that polypyrrole exists between the bismuth-oxide layers and not at grain boundaries.  X-ray powder diffraction shows an increase of 3.5 Å over that of the starting material. In conclusion, steps toward nano-engineering of a hybrid conducting polymer / superconducting composite have been achieved using molecular insertion of the monomer and in situ polymerization in the
(ppy)_yI_1-2y-Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+x system.