The electrochemistry of chemically modified conducting polymers

• Main Author: Dawson, Darryl Hirst
• Published: University of Warwick 1992
• Subjects: 541; QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.357286

The work described in this thesis concentrates on chemically modified heterocyclic conducting polymers based upon pyrrole, thiophene and indole monomers with -particular emphasis placed upon carboxylic acid substituents. A brief description of the electrochemistry of chemically modified poly(pyrroles) is given with an explanation of the problems associated with the chemical modifications. A reasonable understanding of the properties of chemically modified poly(thiophenes) has been achieved. In particular the properties of poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid) have been characterised in both aqueous and nonaqueous solution using standard electrochemical techniques in conjunction with reflectance FFIR studies. Finally the understanding of poly(indole) and poly(5-carboxyindole) electrochemistry has been greatly improved especially with regards to the chemical structure of each polymer, which was elucidated from several reflectance FTIR studies. The characterisation of the electrochemical growth and the aqueous electrochemistry of poly(5-carboxyindole) are the areas in which the greatest advances have been made. The techniques of reflectance FTIR spectroscopy, UV/vis spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy have aided the study of poly(5-carboxyindole) immensely. More studies need to be performed before a fuller understanding of these polymeric systems is achieved and the final chapter gives suggestions for further work which will add to the information given in this thesis.