Molecular orientation of electrochemically synthesized polythiophene: Effects of temperature, solvent and magnetic field

The conditions for molecular orientation of electrochemically synthesized polythiophene have been investigated. The polymer chains are preferentially oriented along the film surface direction, i.e. parallel to the electrode surface, under conditions of (a) polymerization around the freezing point of the solvent used in the electrolyte, and (b) polymerization at low current density (below 1 mA/cm2) around the oxidation potential of the monomer. The polymerizations were also carried out in a magnetic field. Under a magnetic field parallel to the electrode surface, the polythiophene chain oriented itself along the electrode surface even at a higher current density of 2 mA/cm2. On the other hand, a magnetic field perpendicular to the electrode surface inhibited the molecular orientation, even under the conditions of (a) and (b).