Electrochemical patterning of the surface of insulators with electrically conductive polymers

The great potential of {pi}-conjugated polymers, especially polyacetylene, polyarylenes, and poly(arylenevinylene)s, as components in optical displays, sensors, rechargeable batteries, electromagnetic interference shielding, and microelectronics is well recognized. This paper presents a protocol for patterning the surface of insulators with electrically conductive polymers. The pattern is formed on a gold electrode surface via electro-oxidation of heteroarene monomers. An adhesion layer is used to bond the surface of the conducting polymer pattern to the surface of an insulator. The pattern is then developed by etching away the gold. The approach is illustrated with polypyrrole and is applicable to a wide range of substituted polyheteroarenes and insulating substrates.