Influence of supporting electrolyte on the electrochemical synthesis of poly(o-methoxyaniline) thin films

The influence of supporting electrolyte on the electrochemical, optical and morphological properties of poly(o-methoxyaniline) (POMA) thin films has been investigated. The POMA films were synthesized electrochemically under cyclic voltammetric conditions in aqueous solutions of HCl, H2SO4, HNO3 and HClO4 at room temperature. These films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, UV-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the rate of polymerization is strongly influenced by the size and type of the anion present in the electrolyte. The optical absorption spectra reveal the formation of the conducting emeraldine salt phase irrespective of the electrolyte used. It was found that the size and type of the anion present in the electrolyte also affect the surface morphology of the POMA films.