DEPOSITION OF POLYHETEROCYCLES ON SPONTANEOUSLY ADSORBED MONOLAYER-MODIFIED ELECTRODES

The kinetics of electrooxidative polymerization, and the structure and properties of polyheteroarenes, are strongly dependent on the surface characteristics of the electrode. Deposition of spontaneously adsorbe d monolayers (SAMs) affords a fast, efficient method of modifying elec trode behavior towards electroactive monomers in contacting solutions. The modification also has profound effects on the properties of the e lectrooxidatively deposited polyheteroarenes. Monolayers of omega-(3-p yrrolyl)alkanethiols, 4-(3-pyrrolyl)butyl omega-mercaptoalkanoates, an d omega-mercaptoalkyl (3-pyrrolyl)acetates modify the noble metal-solu tion and metal-polymer interface. The monolayer provides covalently bo und nucleation sites on the surface, thereby enhancing the initial rat e of deposition of heteroarenes from solution. The resulting polyheter oarene films are smooth, densely packed, highly conductive and particu larly robust compared to those deposited on unmodified metal electrode s.