Comparison of Selected Chemical and Electrochemical Synthesis

The plasma-polymerized (cf. Sect. 5.1.6) films (e.g. PT and PMT films) have a higher content of hydrogen than that in electrochemically polymerized films, and the electrical conductivities of the doped films are lower than those of electrochemically polymerized films [601]. The surface morphology of the PT films deposited away from the high radio frequency flux-density region is similar to that of films prepared by electrochemical methods [600]. Electropolymerized PT films have more compact morphology compared to that of chemically synthesized PT films [146]. 

Poly[l,2-bis(3-alkyl-2-thienyl)ethylene] is obtained by either chemical or electrochemical polymerization of l,2-bis(3-alkyl-2-thienyl)ethylene. The sample morphology of chemically and electrochemically prepared polymers is quite different. A bulk powder is obtained by the chemical route, while homogeneous films are produced by electropolymerization. Chemical synthesis would seem to be more convenient to prepare polymers because the oxidation with FeCl3 gives standard quality polymers in good yield. Electropolymerization is more sensitive to the synthesis parameters. Electrochemically prepared films are more sensitive to photooxidation [147]. 

PT and its derivatives possess many unusual physical properties which are of great potential interest in the area of material science. PT as an electrically conductive material can only be used in such fields where other parameters such as long term stability of the electrical conductivity, general chemical and thermal stability, and stability of the solid state morphology (the content and size of crystalline domains) do not influence or change the electrophysical properties. The application of PT as a conductive material has proved to be rather problematical. So far, only one polymer has been found to be applicable as an antistatic coating material (cf Sect. 6.7) and has achieved commercial success. Other electrophysical properties reviewed in Sects. 6.1 to 6.12 are claimed in scientific papers and patents to be of use in special applications. 

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