ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION OF PYRROLE - EFFECTS OF PH AND ANIONS ON THE CONDUCTIVITY AND GROWTH-KINETICS OF POLYPYRROLE

Polypyrrole is one of the most studied conducting polymers. In situ AC conductimetry during electropolymerization is a method which allows the specific conductivity to be estimated for the polymer in statu nascendi. We have applied this method to the electropolymerization of pyrrole in aqueous solutions at various conditions. Polymers synthesized at lower pH range are of better quality than those synthesized at higher pH values. The use of small anions in the supporting electrolyte results in a layer of low conductivity at pH 7. The use of long-chain organic anions like sodium dodecylsulfate gives a high quality polymer even in neutral unbuffered solutions.