Deposition and characterisation of self-doped sulphoalkylated polyanilines

Copolymers of N-methylaniline and N(3-sulphopropyl)-aniline were prepared on platinum electrode by electrooxidation from aqueous solution. The copolymers prepared show redox activity in acidic as well as slightly acidic solutions. The activity depends on a comonomer molar ratio used in electropolymerisation. Highest activity is attained at the copolymer films prepared at a 1:1 comonomer ratio used in the electropolymerisation step. Surface resonance Raman spectra of the polymers were obtained, and the reasons for a redox activity of the prepared self-doped copolymers in slightly acidic solutions are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.