Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) of substituted thiophenes were obt
ained by anodic polymerization from microemulsions of the heterocyclic arom
atic oils 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and 3-methoxythiophene (MOT) wi
th high oil and nonionic surfactant content. A liquid crystal was polymeriz
ed for the first time allowing the formation of a free membrane in a platin
um loop. Polymerization takes place under all conditions, but current trans
ients and cyclovoltammograms yield a clear dependence of ICP properties on
the composition of the microemulsion. Optimum conditions obtained for the p
olymerization current do not coincide with optimum redox properties. To und
erstand these results, the multicomponent systems were characterized by pha
se behavior, conductivity, viscosity and dynamic light scattering. For micr
oemulsions of EDOT, 0.5 M aqueous LiClO4 solution and a commercial alkyl po
lyethoxylate, a transition from the oil-in-water to the bicontinuous microe
mulsion was found at an oil content of about 45%. Continuous water domains
exist up to a very high monomer content of more than 60% by weight. (C) 200
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