Synthesis and properties of poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid) and its networks via electropolymerization

The brittle property of poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid) film has been rectified via network formation, as derived from electropolymerization of 3-thiopheneacetic acid with 3,3′-bithiophene or hexamethylene diisocyanate-bithiophene, without losing its conductivity and self-doping property. Solvent swelling behaviors of poly(3-thiophene acetic acid) and its network films rely on the film composition and solvent. The network film crosslinked by 3,3′-bithiophene exhibits a drastic volume change when the temperature exceeds 100°C. The passivation mechanism proposed here explains the electrical conductivityʹs decrease and the IR spectraʹs changes after iodine doping.