Production and characterization of electrochemical nanosensors of polypyrrole for detection of heavy metals

Abstract

The technique of electrospinning via solution has been widely used in the production of nanofibers for several aplications. The polypyrrole (Ppy) is a biodegradable conductive polymer used for the prodution of sensors and electronic equipments. In this project, the synthesis of nanocomposites of Ppy aims to understand the conductive behavior of the material and their respective capacity to capture stimuli promoted by metals, such as lead. Therefor, the aim of this project will be develop electrochemical sensors, using Ppy, capable to picking up signals from heavy metals for subsequent wastewater treatment. However, for the elaboration of such it will be necessary study the physical-chemical effects of polymer solutions with the weight/volume ration of Ppy and compare the behavior of nanofibers with films produced in situ. The parameters of electrospinning will also be assessed, such as applied voltage, distance between the needle and the static collector, infusion pump flow and needle diameter. The sensors will be characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), goniometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and used to electrochemical detection of lead (II) through the tecnique of differential pulsed anodic stripping (DPAS).