Synthesis of Conducting PPy/pTHF Copolymers

Living polytetrahydrofuran (pTHF) was terminated with the potassium salt of pyrrole to yield polymers with pyrrole end groups. Copolymerization of THF and pyrrole with short and long pTHF segments was achieved by constant potential electrolysis. Syntheses of the block copolymers were performed using tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium p-toluenesulfonate as the supporting electrolytes. Characterization of the block copolymers were based on scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetry analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and FTIR studies. No significant effect of the chain length on the properties of the copolymers was observed; however, use of different dopants resulted in different thermal and electrochemical behaviors, surface morphologies, and conductivities.