Study of the Poly-(P-Phenylene) Films Grown Electrochemically and Analyzed by FT-IR, Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy; An Undergraduate Laboratory Experience

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 18 (2013) pp 152-154
DOI 10.1007/s00897132488

Study of the Poly-(P-Phenylene) Films Grown Electrochemically and Analyzed by FT-IR, Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy; An Undergraduate Laboratory Experience

Miyong Hughes^‡, Beth Muir^‡, Alfons Schulte^†, and Suzanne K. Lunsford*^,‡

†University of Central Florida, Department of Physics, PS 411; 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32816; ‡Wright State University, Department of Chemistry, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton, Ohio 45435, suzanne.lunsford@wright.edu
Received April 25, 2013. Accepted May 18, 2013.

Published: 21 June 2013

Abstract. Electrochemical polymerization technique was carried out to synthesize the polymer poly-(p-phenylene) (PPP). The utilization of Scanning Electron (SEM) Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy assisted in the confirmation that the (PPP) was grown successfully on different electrode materials. This lab has allowed students to learn a variety of instrumentation techniques all in one lab. While uncertainties still exist regarding the exact chain structures of electropolymerized PPP. Therefore while it is not possible to identify the exact network structure using the FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, the overall analysis confirm the PPP has been synthesized on the electrode surface overall. The SEM confirms the surface morphology has grown a polymer and illustrates the physical properties of the polymer grown.

Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; physical chemistry

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: suzanne.lunsford@wright.edu )

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