The Voltammetric Response of Solutions of Electroactive Polymers

Abstract

A series of electroactive polymers was synthesized by incorporating pendant anthraquinone groups on a polystyrene backbone. The spacing between electroactive groups and the overall chain length were varied independently. Symmetrical, reversible cyclic voltammograms were obtained from polymer solutions. Linear plots of current vs. were obtained whose slopes decreased with increase in chain length. Diffusion parameters thus evaluated agree with results obtained by viscometry. The Randles‐Sevcik equation was modified to show the dependence of peak current upon polymer molecular weight. The predicted linear dependence of upon was confirmed for polymers whose molecular weights were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The results clearly indicate the presence of independent, noninteracting centers.