Electrochemical properties of polythiophene depending on preparation conditions

In this study, electrochemical properties of thiophene and polythiophene (P T) were investigated in tetrabutyl ammoniumperchlorate (Bt,NP), tetraethyl ammoniumtetrafluoroborate (Et4NBF4) and tetrabutyl ammoniumhexafluorophosph ate (Bt(4)NPF(6)) supporting electrolytes in acetonitrile. Polarization cur ves and in situ conductance measurements show that PT films have different electrochemical properties and conductance values according to the type and concentration of the supporting electrolyte employed. In addition, the oxi dation time, the potential and applied current were found to have a signifi cant influence on the conductance values of the final polymers. A suitable mechanism is proposed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.