In Situ Infrared Spectro-Electrochemical Investigations of Polythiophenes

Abstract

Conducting polymers containing heterocyclic aromates as monomeric units show very promising properties in terms of stability and insensitivity to higher temperatures and chemical environments. In particular, polythiophenes proved to be substances with very favorable properties [1]. The electrochemical preparation is easy to control and results in adhesive films on the surface of suitable electrodes. The polymer films, which are produced in the electrical conducting, oxidized form, can be reduced to the insulating neutral form, which can be reoxidized again. These oxidation and reduction processes can be repeated reversibly. In order to get a better knowledge of the characteristics of the polymers,we used in situ infrared spectroscopy to study the structure of the polymers in the neutral form and the spectral changes during the oxidation process.