Oxidative polymerization of N-substituted carbazoles

Poly(N-vinylcarbazole), poly(N-carbazole) and poly(N-ethylcarbazole) powders were chemically synthesized by the reaction of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) with N-vinylcarbazole carbazole and N-ethylcarbazole in acetonitrile. Products were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and viscosity, X-ray fluorescence and four-probe conductivity measurement. It is found that when a suitable concentration of CAN is used in the polymerization process, the conductivity of chemically synthesized polymers can be improved further by controlling the CAN addition.