Polypyrrole was chemically synthesized using various oxidizing reagents and examined as a positive electrode material. Physical properties, morphologies and electrochemical characteristics of polypyrrole were greatly influenced by the oxidizing reagent used for polymerization. In general, polypyrrole with a smaller particle size and a larger specific surface area showed better discharge performance than that with a larger particle size and a smaller specific surface area. Polypyrrole was also synthesized on various conducting and nonconducting substrates using Fe(ClO4)(3) as an oxidizing reagent. By using PP nonwoven fabric as a substrate material, a high discharge capacity of 72 mA h g(-1) was obtained. Polypyrrole synthesized on only one side of PP nonwoven fabric was able to be used as an electrode.