POLY(M-CHLOROANILINE) - ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION

The optical, morphological, thermal, and electrochemical properties of electrochemically synthesized poly(m-chloroaniline) reveal several un ique features in comparison with similar well known properties of poly aniline. The nature and position of the halide substituent seem to be sensitive factor affecting the film properties. Optical spectra corres ponding to different preparation conditions clearly display the signif icant role of pH during the formation of the conducting phase as gradu al decrease in the ratio of absorbance at similar to 850 nm to that of simultaneously produced other oxidation state species obtained by dec reasing the protonation level. These results are supported by the IR a nalysis of the samples. The relative intensity of quinoid to benzenoid ring modes [I-1576/I-1470] is highest at pH of -0.22, and decreases w ith increasing pH of solution. Interestingly, with increasing pH from -0.22 to 3.3, the morphology of the films show a transition from fibri llar to granular type. The thermal patterns exhibit a positive shift i n the final decomposition temperature. The influence of pH of solution on the redox properties of the films is seen in terms of change in sh ape and current magnitude of cyclic voltammograms.