The aqueous chemistry and electrochemistry of polyacetylene, (CH)x

Polyacetylene, (CH)_x, is p-doped (oxidized) to the metallic regime by (i) gaseous oxygen in aqueous 48% (7.4M) HBF₄, (ii) aqueous HClO₄ and H₂SO₄ and (iii) electrochemical methods to give highly conducting materials that are remarkably stable in the aqueous solutions in which they are synthesized. The chemical doping reactions are consistent with the reduction potentials of polyacetylene in its various oxidation states and with the reduction potentials of the oxidizing agents. Polyacetylene can act as an electrocatalytic, ‘fuel-cell type’ electrode and also as an electrode-active cathode in rechargable battery cells in certain aqueous acid solutions.