Controlling the Morphology of Poly(N-cyanoethylpyrrole)

• Published in: The journal of physical chemistry. B 2012-04, Vol.116 (16), p.5064-5070
• Main Authors: Fabregat, Georgina, Alemán, Carlos, Casas, Maria T, Armelin, Elaine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anodic; Anodic polymerization; Chemical oxidative polymerization; Chemical polymerization; Controlled size; Core-shell particle; Core-shell particles; Electrolytes; Enginyeria química; Hollow microsphere; Internal structure; Layer-by-layers; Microspheres; Molecular loadings; Molecular structure; Morphology; Oxidation degree; Physical chemistry; Polimerització; Polymerization; Polymerization process; Supporting electrolyte; Templating polymerization; Templating techniques; Transport process; Àrees temàtiques de la UPC
• ISSN: 1520-6106; 1520-5207
• DOI: 10.1021/jp3008688

The morphology of poly(N-cyanoethylpyrrole) has been controlled through the polymerization process. This polymer has been prepared by anodic polymerization, chemical oxidative polymerization in emulsion medium, and layer-by-layer templating polymerization. Anodic polymerization using LiClO4 as supporting electrolyte provides compact films, in which the oxidation degree is controlled through the thickness, useful for the microdetection of dopamine. Chemical polymerization using FeCl3 as oxidant agent results in very well-defined microspheres with porous internal structure, which may be useful in molecular loading and transport processes. Finally, the layer-by-layer templating technique produces core–shell particles of controlled size and thickness. Moreover, these core–shell particles can be easily converted in hollow microspheres by removing the template.