INFLUENCE OF ELECTROLYTE PH ON THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF POLY(O-ANISIDINE) THIN-FILMS

The influence of electrolyte pH on the optical absorption and morpholo gy of electrochemically synthesized poly(O-anisidine) (POA) thin films has been investigated. The optical absorption spectrum of the films d eposited at higher pH indicates predominant formation of pernigranilin e base, whereas at lower pH the spectrum shows exclusive formation of the conducting emeraldine salt phase. A clear transition from insulato r to conductor has been observed between pH 1 and 2. The morphology of the films is found to strongly depend on electrolyte pH. (C) 1998 Els evier Science B.V.