Determination of electronic transference numbers of polymers

Abstract

Liang's method has been employed under new conditions to determine electronic transference numbers of polymers using the sandwich cell (Ag–AgI–polymer–graphite). In this cell, when the graphite electrode is polarized by a cathodic potential, an amount of silver just corresponding to the electronic transport in the polymer is deposited at the AgI–polymer interface. In a further step, the amount of silver deposited is determined by an electrochemical oxidation of the deposit. The method has been applied to poly(4-vinylpyridine) derivatives, poly(anilinium) nitrate, desoxy-ribonucleic acid (Na salt) and poly(styrene) silver sulphonate.