Medium effect on the anodic fabrication of poly-(p-phenylene) films on platinum electrodes

Abstract

The acidic-basic properties of the medium, its water content, and the nature of the anion of the supporting electrolyte are the main physicochemical parameters affecting whether homogeneous, adherent, and conductive poly(p-phenylene) films are obtained from electrochemical oxidation of benzene or biphenyl; use of a strictly anhydrous solvent such as CH₂Cl₂ or MeNO₂ without a catalyst leads to conductive (σ < 1 S cm^–1) and electrochromic films with BF₄^–, PF₆^–, or SbF₆^– anions, while insulating films are formed with ClO₄^– anions.