SYNTHESIS OF POLYPYRROLE HAVING AN ALKYL SIDE-CHAIN

Electrochemical polymerisation of 3-octylpyrrole (OCPY) was studied. Its conductivity was 5 S/cm at an optimal current density of 0.5mA/cm2. Cyclic voltammograms of poly(3-octylpyrrole) (POCPY) films were measured in the presence of various electrolytes and their shapes were virtually independent of the electrolytes used. There was an anodic peak at 0.16V (versus Ag) and a cathodic peak at 0.12V. Optical absorption spectra were measured at various levels of doping. The neutral film showed one peak at 3.5eV, corresponding to the π-π* transition. The oxidised film showed two peaks in the lower energy regions, suggesting it was in the bipolaron state. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation revealed a process of unique morphology formation.