Effects of Ultramicroelectrode Dimensions on the Electropolymerization of Polypyrrole

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3152633· OSTI ID:966733

Fletcher, Benjamin L ^[1]; Fern, Jared T. ^[2]; Rhodes, Kevin ^[2]; McKnight, Timothy E ^[1]; Fowlkes, Jason Davidson ^[1]; Retterer, Scott T ^[1]; Keffer, David J. ^[2]; Simpson, Michael L ^[1]; Doktycz, Mitchel John ^[1]

---

1. ORNL
2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK)

Anode geometry can significantly affect the electrochemical synthesis of conductive polymers. Here, the effects of anode dimensions on the electropolymerization of pyrrole are investigated. Band microelectrodes were prepared with widths ranging from 2 to 500 {micro}m. The anode dimension has a significant effect on the resulting thickness of polymer film. The electropolymerization process deviates significantly from that predicted by simple mass transfer considerations when electrode dimensions are less than {approx}20 {micro}m. Polymer film thickness is thinner than expected when electrode dimensions become less than {approx}10 {micro}m. A simple mathematical model was derived to explain the observed effects of anode dimensions on the polymerization process. Simulation results confirm that diffusive loss of reaction intermediates accounts for the observed experimental trends. The described simulation facilitates understanding of the electropolymerization processes and approaches to the controlled deposition of polypyrrole, particularly at the submicron scale, for microelectromechanical systems and biomedical applications.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences
• Sponsoring Organization: ORNL work for others
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 966733
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 105; ISSN JAPIAU; ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
ANODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DEPOSITION
DIMENSIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MINIATURIZATION
POLYMERIZATION
PYRROLES
REACTION INTERMEDIATES
SYNTHESIS