Influence of anion and pH on the electrochemical behaviour of polypyrrole synthesised in alkaline media

The electrochemical behaviour of conducting polypyrrole films electrosynthesised on vitreous carbon electrodes in alkaline solutions has been investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry and open circuit potentiometric measurements. The shape and evolution of the voltammograms during cycling depend strongly on the kind of anion and solution pH used. From these results, anion and cation participation in the redox process of the polymer has been analysed. The transport of anions like NO₃⁻ or Cl⁻ is dominant, while the transport of OH⁻ is the most important contribution when the polymer is cycled in the presence of anions that cannot be incorporated into the polymer matrix. The incorporation of Na⁺ also takes place and its contribution is more significant as deposition charge increases. The characteristics of the films are compared with those obtained in acid media. The polymerisation efficiency is similar in both cases. Films electrodeposited in alkaline solution can be doped and undoped in acid solution without loosing its redox behaviour.