Remarkably high electrochemical charge uptake for modified electrodes of polyacetylene molecular wires encapsulated within zeolites and mesoporous MCM-41 aluminosilicate

Heavy loaded samples of polyacetylene and polypropyne incorporated within zeolites or MCM-41 were obtained by in situ polymerisation of the corresponding alkynes on Ni2+-exchanged aluminosilicates. Charge uptakes were obtained as high as 250 C g−1 (the theoretical amount for complete polyacetylene oxidation), the highest ever reported for a zeolite modified electrode. Voltammetric peaks were however irreversible and extensive degradation occurs.