CONTROL OF THE INTERFACE PROPERTIES OF CONDUCTING POLYPYRROLE

Chemical modification of polypyrrole by 3-substitution of the monomer results in different kinds of new interface properties for the corresponding material. Alkylation allows a marked increase in the hydrophobicity and its regulation by the substituent length. Polyether chains increase the reversibility of the polymer redox system in organic electrolyte, and thus the power capability and the long-term stability of polypyrrole as an electrode material for batteries. Substituted carboxylic groups give rise to a linear pH-dependence of the formal redox potential of polypyrrole in acidic media.