POLYMER-DIMER DISTRIBUTION IN THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF POLYANILINE

The distribution of major products associated with the process of polyaniline (PANI) synthesis is discussed. On the basis of the results obtained in the cyclovoltammetric (cv) and constant potential (cp) synthesis the dependence of that distribution upon monomer concentration, switching potential (E(lambda)) and potential of synthesis, E(synth), are discussed, the corresponding reaction scheme is given and terms for the reaction rates derived. The conditions governing the polymer-dimer distribution are formulated. The origin of the middle peak, appearing during the PANI synthesis, is discussed in the light of the specific experimental conditions, and species corresponding to it are identified. A reaction scheme for the hydrolysis pathway of dimer is confirmed.