The preparation and characterization of the cross-linked Ag–AgCl/polypyrrole nanocomposite

The cross-linked Ag–AgCl/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite was synthesized using silver nanowires as templates. In the process, FeCl3 served not only as the oxidant for pyrrole monomer but also as the etching-agent for silver nanowires. The morphologies of the product were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The existence of silver chloride and silver in PPy matrix was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope technologies. A possible formation mechanism of the cross-linked Ag–AgCl/PPy nanocomposite was also discussed.