The influence of anions on formation, electro activity, stability and morphology of poly(o-methoxyaniline) films - EQCM studies

The influence of anions on the electrodeposition, properties and overoxidat ion of poly(o-methoxyaniline), (POMA), is investigated by means of an elect rochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) in the presence of HCl and HC lO4 acids. The effect of anions during polymerisation is explained in terms of the interactions of anions with neutral or oxidised monomer and trappin g of hydrated anions in the polymer films. The exchange of anions and the s olvent molecules is studied for the doping/undoping process of POMA. The de gradation of the polymer films is considered taking into account the presen ce of water molecules in the polymer films. Scanning electron microscopy (S EM) was used to detect the changes in polymer morphology caused by degradat ion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.