In situ neutron reflectivity studies of poly-o-toluidine films

Our long-term scientific objective is the rational design and fabrication of electrochemical interfaces of specific function, via modification of the electrode with thin films of electroactive polymers. This requires us to understand the relationship between electrode performance and structure. From a series of experiments performed on the TAS8 reflectometer at Riso National Labs, we have studied the spatial distributions of polymer and solvent within poly(o-toluidine)(PoT) films in their reduced form, as functions of film thickness and pH in perchloric acid solutions. We intend to use our in-situ neutron reflectivity data to rationalize electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and probe beam deflection (PBD) data on redox driven PoT ion and solvent transfer dynamics. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.