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Electrochemistry, electrochromism, characterization and electroanalytical applications of some conducting poly[hetero(arylene)s]

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5516701

Described here are the electrochemistry, characterization, spectro-electrochemistry and electroanalytical applications of some conducting poly[hetero(arylenes)]. The effects of changing the nature and the concentration of both the monomer and the supporting electrolyte, electrosynthesis temperature, and current density on the resulting polymer films conductivities were studied. Electrochemical data for monomers and their corresponding polymers are also reported for all compounds studied. The data were discussed in terms of differences in structural (steric) and experimental conditions. The anion of the supporting electrolyte used during the synthesis step had a memory effect on the electrochemical behavior of the polymer. The nature of the cation, on the diffusion coefficients for different electrolytes were determined at the polymer electrode surface which indicated that the rate of diffusion depends on the charge/size ratio of the anion used. Mixed block polymers containing thiophene/furan or thiophene/selenophene units have been successfully prepared. The electrochemical behavior of ultramicro conducting polymer electrodes was examined and compared to that of a bare surface. Spectroelectrochemical experiments were used in order to determine the formal potentials and [open quotes]n-values[close quotes] for some of the studied poly[hetero(arylenes)]. The evolution of new spectral bands upon electrooxidation of the film were due to the formation of polaronic and bipolaronic states. Polymer films were grafted on [open quotes]active[close quotes] metal substrates. XPS measurements revealed the formation of a [open quotes]metal-sulfur[close quotes] bond. The conductivity of the polymer noticeably increased when metallic species were incorporated in the film as was confirmed by elemental analysis. The redox behavior of polymer films containing copper species was highly stable as depicted by the cyclic voltammograms of these films in perchlorate solutions.

Research Organization:
Cincinnati Univ., OH (United States)
OSTI ID:
5516701
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English