Rod-type polypyrrole (PPY) doped with p-toluenesulfonic acid (TSA) was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization via a self-assembly process. The shape of the PPY particles is mainly determined by the ratio of TSA/pyrrole (PY) and feed rate of the oxidant. Particle of different shapes (rod, grain, and partially rod) exhibit differences in morphology, electrical properties, dispersity, and thermal properties. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterning analysis was used to investigate the mechanism of rod formation. The effect of the TSA concentration on the PPY structure was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The PPY rods doped with TSA exhibited better electrical conductivity than granular PPY doped with TSA, and their dispersity and thermal stability were also higher. Self-orientation of PPY in the micelles of TSA and high crystallinity of the rod particles led to improved thermal stability. Hence, the decomposition temperature of the polymer chain was considerably increased. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.