BINDING AND REDUCTION OF SILVER IONS IN THIN POLYMERIC FILMS OF POLY-[FE(VBPY)2(CN)2], POLY-VBPY

Thin films of poly-[Fe(vbpy)3](PF6)2 formed an electrode surfaces by r eductive electropolymerization of [Fe-(vbpy)3](PF6)2(vbpy is 4-methyl- 4'-vinyl-2,2'-bipyridine) undergo vbpy displacement with [NEt4]CN in a cetonitrile to give poly-[Fe(vbpy)2(CN)2], poly-vbpy. The dicyano film s incorporate AgNO2 forming poly-[Fe(vbpy)2(CN)-(CNAg)](NO2), poly-vbp y as shown by FT-IR and XPS. Electrochemical reduction results in the formation of colloidal silver particles dispersed throughout the films . Under potential hold conditions, further aggregation occurs accompan ied by diffusion to the film-electrode interface. Incorporation of AgN O2 into films of poly-[Fe(vbpy)3]-(PF6)2 also occurs but by partitioni ng rather than chemical binding. Electrochemical reduction gives collo idal Ag0. Reduction of either film with AgNO2 in the external solution results in the formation of <0.5 to 2-3 mum sized particles on the fi lm surface as shown by SEM measurements.