Usefulness of aqueous anionic micellar media for electrodeposition of poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) films on iron, mild steel and aluminium

Poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films were electrodeposited by cy clic voltammetry and chrono amperometry on iron, mild steel and aluminium s ubstrates, using a 0.1 M sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micellar aqueous solut ion as reaction medium. The passivating effect of sodium phthalate on iron and aluminium electrodes in SDS media was demonstrated also. Homogeneneous, regular, adhesive and thick (similar to 15 mu m) PEDOT films on Fe could b e electrosynthesized in these conditions, The electropolymerization faradic yields ranged between 22 and 93% according to the current density value us ed. PEDOT films were characterized electrochemically and spectroscopically (XPS, IR and Raman spectra). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated t hat the films presented a cauliflower morphology. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.