| Abstract: | Free‐standing poly(para‐phenylene) (PPP) films have been electrosynthesized by direct oxidation of benzene on stainless steel electrode in mixed e1ectrolytes of boron trifluoride diethy1 etherate (BFEE) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The oxidation potential of the monomer in these media is lower than those in the neutral media. Increasing the content of TFA in the mixed electrolyte can effective1y decrease the oxidation potential and increase the coup1ing rate of the monomer. The films obtained from these media were very shiny and flexible, and could easily be processed into various shapes by conventional mechanical methods. The films had a 1inear chain structure, and their degree of polymerization could be improved by increasing the TFA content in the mixed electrolyte. Moreover, the films had a fairly good thermal stability. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2462–2466, 2002 |
