Oxidative polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole in polymer matrix

A new class of soluble conductive poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVCz) compounds h as been developed by oxidative matrix polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole (N VCz) by Ce(IV) in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). PEG was foun d to be a more suitable matrix with which to obtain a stable homogenous ter nary complex solution when compared with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly( vinyl-pyrrolidone) (PVP). The role of PEG, NVCz and Ce(IV) concentration, o rder of component addition, the structure of the polymer matrix, molecular weight of polymer and the effect of solvent have been investigated. Obtaini ng soluble PEG-Ce(III)-PVCz ternary complexes was shown by cyclic voltammet ric measurements, and the initial rate of formation NVCz cation radicals as calculated using UV-visible spectrophotometry. Advantageously with these s oluble complexes, conductivities could be measured both in solution and in the solid state. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.