Current-voltage characteristics of conducting polypyrrole in solid polyethylene oxide electrolytes

Current-voltage characteristics were studied for polypyrrole films contacte d with different electrolytes in aqueous form and complex polymer solid ele ctrolytes. Cyclic voltammograms for the conducting polymer in aqueous mediu m exhibited the typical oxidation and reduction peaks, whereas for solid po lymer electrolytes, there was large asymmetry in curves; with the anodic cu rrent being much higher than that in the cathodic region. A rapid switching -type response was noted in the case of polyethylene oxide-cupric chloride complex as solid electrolyte. This effect was pronounced when the same comp lex contained the polypyrrole deposited within it as a composite. These var ious results have been discussed in the light of different energy levels in the conducting polymer and the contacting medium, as well as the formation of a microdispersed system with higher charge transport. (C) 1999 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.