Investigation of the chemical structure and electrochemical activity of a chemically polymerized luminol

• Published in: Journal of electroanalytical chemistry (Lausanne, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2019-04, Vol.839, p.90-95
• Main Authors: N'Diaye, Jeanne, Lian, Keryn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical activity; Chemical polymerization; Chemical reduction; Chemical synthesis; Energy storage; Fourier transforms; Glass transition temperature; Infrared analysis; Luminol; Melt temperature; Organic chemistry; Oxidation; Photoelectrons; Polymerization; Reaction kinetics; Redox activity; Spectroscopic analysis; Spectrum analysis; Structure characterization; Thermal analysis
• ISSN: 1572-6657; 1873-2569
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2019.03.024

Electrochemically active polyluminol was synthesized using an oxidative chemical polymerization reaction. The chemically polymerized luminol (CpLum) exhibited reversible oxidation and reduction reactions with fast kinetics. From Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, the polymerization occurred by the conversion of primary amine groups into secondary amine groups. The polymer contained benzoid and quinoid segments which were confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thermal analysis revealed the semi-crystalline nature of CpLum, with two thermal events at 99°C and 152°C corresponding to a glass transition and a melting temperature. The interesting features and electrochemical activities may lead to applications in energy storage. [Display omitted] •Polyluminol (CpLum) developed via an oxidative polymerization.•The thermal behavior and polymer crystallinity were compared with the monomer.•The electrochemistry of CpLum showed reversible multiple oxidation states.