DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjet.2026.v14i07.001

Pages: 364-373

In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites modified with silver(I) oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and characterized to evaluate their electrochemical stability, thermal stability, and structural properties. The UV-Vis spectra confirmed the incorporation of Ag₂O nanoparticles into the PPy matrix, evidenced by a shift in the polaron band and the appearance of an absorption shoulder around 600 nm. FTIR analysis verified the integrity of the PPy backbone and confirmed the presence of Ag - O vibrations in the fingerprint region. SEM and TEM images demonstrated the dispersion of Ag₂O nanoparticles with crystalline size 75 to 87 nm within the polymer matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that while the incorporation of Ag₂O slightly lowered the onset temperature of thermal decomposition due to a catalytic effect, it significantly increased the final residual mass at high temperatures due to the formation of metallic silver and carbonaceous char. Furthermore, electrochemical open circuit potential (OCP) measurements in a 0.05 M NaCl medium indicated that the nanocomposite exhibits enhanced electrochemical stability, as evidenced by its significantly lower potential drift rate (∇E⁄∇t) at equilibrium compared to PPy. These findings suggest that PPy/Ag2O nanocomposites hold significant potential for applications requiring electrochemically stable coatings, though further kinetic electrochemical studies (as EIS, Tafel) are recommended for comprehensive corrosion rate quantification and protection efficiency assessment.