Electrochemical studies of poly(vinylferrocene) films in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions

The electrochemical response of a conducting polymer, poly(vinylferrocene) (PVF), as a function of the electrolyte media, is reported. Cyclic voltammetry has been used to investigate the redox behaviour of the films spin‐cast onto glass electrodes (ITO). The films were cycled in non‐aqueous (propylene carbonate and tetramethylene sulfone) electrolyte solutions containing different salts: sodium, lithium and tetrabutylammonium perchlorates (NaClO4, LiClO4 and TBAClO4), tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate and tetrafluoroborate (TBAPF6, TBABF4). Aqueous electrolyte solutions of NaClO4 and LiClO4 have also been studied for comparison with the reported literature data. Some of the criteria for reversible systems have been tested for the different electrolytes used. Cyclic voltammetry experiments have also been carried out on the same films, after 3 months, using electrolyte solutions in propylene carbonate and tetramethylene sulfone. The results show that the film has a ‘solvent sensitivity’ effect, and the charge density changes according to the solvent used. There is a reversible charge sensivity effect when the films are cycled between propylene carbonate‐ and tetramethylene sulfone‐based electrolytes. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry