Poly (Pyrrolium Anion) Studies: Electrochemical Synthesis and Physical Behavior.

Conductive polymers exhibit many unique physical property combinations that lead to a variety of applications which include coatings, sensors, and thin film devices. Conductive polypyrrole has shown the most promise with respect to enviromental stability and mechanical integrity. Various poly pyrrolium anion materials have been synthesized electronically using novel dopant counterions. The counterions substituted benzenesulfonates were prepared as tetraethylammonium salts from the acids and ranged in size from small 8 angstroms to large 25 angstroms with varying degrees of symmetry. Depending on the dopant anion used in the synthesis, the electrical conductivity, tensile strength and tensile modulus varied greatly. X-ray diffraction studies have shown varying peak breadths indicating a difference in molecular order among the polymers. Interrelationships between molecular structure, electrical conductivity, and mechanical behavior have been addressed. Keywords polypyrroles, pyrroles