Modification of intrinsically conducting polymers by ion implantation

The ion beam modification of polymers has attracted many groups in the past. However, only little attention has been paid to the ion bombardment effects in intrinsically conducting polymers like polyacetylene or polypyrrole PPY. We studied PPY earlier and found that ion bombardment leads to a loss of conductivity because of structural changes of the polymer. The loss of conductivity causes interesting secondary effects investigated in the present paper. By implanting through masks or with focused ion beams it is possible to obtain lateral structured conducting polymers. The structures can be developed in 3-dimensional patterns by electrochemical treatment and by galvanic metal deposition. The resulting structures were vizualized using scanning force microscopy. In addition the catalytic effect of platinum deposition on the electrochemical dissolution of PPY was studied. The results bear interesting consequences for future applications.