Role of surfactants in the electrosynthesis and the electrochemical and spectroscopic characteristics of poly(3-methoxythiophene) films in aqueous micellar media

Poly(3-methoxythiophene) (PMOT) films were electrosynthesized on Pt electro des by oxidation of (3-methoxythiophene) (MOT) in aqueous micellar media, u sing different types (anionic, cationic and neutral) of surfactants, The fi lms were characterized with a view to investigating the influence of the su rfactant on their electrochemical and spectroscopic properties. The cyclic voltammograms of the films indicate a good redox behavior, the peak positio ns (current density and potential) depending on the nature of surfactant. X PS measurements showed the incorporation of surfactant ions in the films, w hich modified the doping level values. The faradic yields were found to inc rease notably from cationic to anionic surfactants. MALDI-TOF mass spectrom etry revealed that the film composition is also affected by a change in the micellar medium composition. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights res erved.