AN ALL ORGANIC INSULATOR-CONDUCTOR SYSTEM FOR MICROSTRUCTURATION

Due to graphitization of the topmost 10 nm layer, low energetic ion bombardment enhances wettability and conductivity of polystyrene (PS) foils. This allows the electrosynthesis of electrochemically active polyaniline yielding an all organic insulator-conductor system. Polyaniline (PANI) layers have macroscopic lateral dimensions (1 cm). However, their thicknesses can be varied in a range from 50 nm to 1 mum. The lateral growth of polyaniline on implanted PS can be defined and limited by the interfaces between implanted and non-implanted polystyrene or between air and electrolyte. Sharp boundaries (< 1 mum) of the polyaniline film are observed. Thus, the nanostructured organic sandwich system can be microstructured in lateral directions. A potential drop at the implanted polystyrene and in the thin PANI film is dominant for polyaniline growth and conductivity. This leads to a thickness gradient of the deposited polyaniline.