Manufactured polypyrrole nanoparticles by adding pyrrole to FeCl3, using 1 wt% PVP K30 as a surfactant.
Trying to seperate the particles from the reaction medium to remove left over monomer and salts. Centrifuging hasnt worked, I centrifuged for over an hour at 6000rpm (the highest setting on our centrifuge) and no pellet formed. I know I have made nanoparticles though as I performed multiple DLS techniques which showed I have 120nm diameter particles. I dont want to freeze dry or boil off the water as I will be left with the remaining salt from the reaction. All papers just say 'washed and seperated via centrifuge' without giving details. I have also tried filtering but the particles got stuck to the paper and could not be removed.
Any idea on what I could try? Or why what I'm trying isnt working?
Many Thanks
You need a faster centrifuge.
When I used to make very similar PPy latex particles about 30 years ago, I used a 50,000rpm ultracentrifuge for 30 to 60 minutes (I think).
You could try some kind of dialysis, too.
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