Preparation of conducting polymer patterns using photochemical reaction of oxidation polymerization agents

Preparation of conducting polymer patterns using the photochemical oxidizing ability changes of an oxidation polymerization agent has been investigated. Photoreactive metal salts such as iron(III) chloride were used for oxidation polymerization of conducting polymers such as polypyrrole. Metal salts were reduced by exposing to ultra-violet(UV) light and missed the ability of oxidation polymerization. Therefore, conducting polypyrrole patterns have been prepared on the unirradiated part by exposing films containing iron(III) chloride to UV light through the pattern mask and then contacting with pyrrole vapor or dipping in pyrrole solution. By this method, large and fine conducting polymer patterns can easily be prepared on plastics, ceramics, papers, clothes, woods, etc. In addition, it may be able to prepare patterns with partially different conductivity by controlling the irradiation time of UV light and/or shades of the pattern masks.