Electrostatic electrochemistry: Nylon and polyethylene systems

Electrostatic charges generated on polymer surfaces by contact electrification e.g. polyethylene (PE) contacted with polyamide (Nylon), are capable of carrying out redox reactions. For example, metal ions such as Pd2+, Ag+, and Cu2+ were reduced, leading to a metal film deposition on the polymer, Fe ( CN ) 6 3 - was reduced to Fe ( CN ) 6 4 - , and chemiluminescence was produced. These results reinforce the electron transfer mechanism of contact electrification and the concept of ‘single electrode electrochemistry’ using PE or Nylon (or PTFE) as the source of charge. From the extent of the redox reactions, one estimates charge densities of up to about 1014/cm2.