Structural Control of Conducting Polymers Using Surfactant Micelles

The roles of surfactant in polymerization of the conducting polymers and surfactant-introduced conducting polymers were examined. Particular, attention was directed to our research on electrochemical reactions of polymers and feasibility as energy storage materials. Monomers of conducting polymer dissolve in the hydrophobic domain of surfactant micelles in aqueous solution and surfactant bilayers on a substrate. Surfactant hydrophilic-hydrophobic characterization makes possible structural control of electrodeposited polymer film. Polypyrrole film, a conducting polymer, with perpendicular orientation and high ion diffusivity, is formed by electropolymerization in the presence of micelles. This film can be electropolymerized even on a substrate of non-noble metal having low electronic conductivity, using an anionic surfactant. The simultaneous formation of two-layers consisting of oxide film with a high dielectric constant and polypyrrole film on valve metals such as aluminum is discussed.