Electrochemical inclusion of copper and iron species in a conducting polymer observed in situ using time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy

A comparative in situ time-resolved X-ray absorption study of the electrochemical inclusion of copper and iron species in poly(3-methyl-thiophene)(PMeT) is reported. For both treatments, incorporation of metallic ion and complexation with sulphur atoms of the polymer backbone lead to a significant increase of the ex situ macroscopic conductivity. However, the detailed mechanisms and kinetics of the various processes are specific to the metallic ion incorporated in the polymer.