CHAPTER 3: Electrosynthesis of Conducting Polymers

The electropolymerization of conducting polymers is a fast process that takes place via a complex mechanism to produce a mixed material with electroactive and non-electroactive components. Good knowledge and control of how the physical and chemical variables of synthesis influence the kinetics of the parallel reactions during synthesis allows the production of tailored materials for specific applications. Here, the use of different electrochemical and gravimetric methodologies is described in order to identify each of the different parallel reactions and physical processes triggered by the current flow during the electropolymerization process. A polymerization mechanism is proposed.