Title: Tunable Conducting Polymer Nanotubes with Special Wetting Properties

Abstract: The control in the surface structures is fundamental for many applications such for the wetting properties. In particular, nanotubes were found to be excellent candidates because the surface properties are highly dependent on their diameter, the height or their porosity. The preparation of highly ordered nanotubes often needs complex processes such as the use the template or lithographic process.

The templateless electropolymerization is an excellent alternative for the formation of porous structures such as nanotubes. In 2003, Shi et al. reported for the first time the formation of nanotubes by electropolymerization of pyrrole in an aqueous solution containing a surfactant. In this process, gas bubbles released from water (O2 and/or H2 following the polymerization process) are responsible of the formation of nanotubes. Very recently, we show this possibility in organic solvent (trace water is sufficient) and without surfactant. The monomer plays a special role in the stabilization of gas bubbles and the formation of porous structures. Here, I will present most of the results obtained in our group in this domain.

Biography: Most of my research works (150 publications) is focused on the preparation of superhydrophobic and/or superoleophobic surfaces by electrodeposition of conducting polymers. The main aim is to control the surface structures and as a consequence the wetting surface properties (with different liquids such as water and oils) obtained by electropolymerization through monomer molecular conception. My recent works include the preparation of ordered porous nanostructures such as nanotubes or nanorings using a templateless electropolymerization approach.