Functional conductive polymers such as poly(pyrrole-co-(1-(2-carboxyethyl)pyrrole)) (P(Py-PyCOOH)) copolymer has raised significant research interests in biomedical field for their electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, and functionality that facilitates further biological modifications. However, most P(Py-PyCOOH) polymers are synthesized through electropolymerization with small sample size and low productivity. In this work, the core-shell P(Py-PyCOOH) particles were synthesized through a simple one step emulsion polymerization. Experimental parameters including the ratio of water/oil, feeding of FeCl3 and functional monomers, as well as reaction time were evaluated to define the balanced optimal conditions. The obtained P(Py-PyCOOH) particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and total elements analysis. The particles present a core-shell structure comprising the pyrrole (Py) dominated P(Py-PyCOOH) copolymer as the core and PPyCOOH homopolymer as the shell. Given the composition of the shell, the quantity of carboxyl groups on particle surface already reached maximum; further polymerization of excessive functional monomers would not increase any surface functionality but decrease conductivity of the particles. To conclude, the core-shell P(Py-PyCOOH) particles possess a good conductivity (>10(-3) S cm(-1)), maximized surface functionality, large surface area, excellent dispersibility in water, and high overall yield. Such conductive particles can be good candidate for sensing and biomedical applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.