Electrochemical modification of poly(3-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene)

The chlorination and regeneration of poly(3-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene) (PFP T) thin films has been investigated using cyclic voltammetry, energy disper sive analysis by X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A complete su bstitution of all 4-thiophene positions of the electrodeposited polymer is achieved by electrochemical oxidation in the presence of chloride ions. The resulting inactive chlorinated polymer is then reactivated by p-doping in acetonitrile containing 0.5 M Et4NBF4. The n-doping of this electroactive c hlorinated polymer is not possible because the electrochemical reduction in duces the departure of the chloride atoms, leading to the regeneration of t he parent PFPT in the electroactive form.