Electrochemical Grafting of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) into a Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Host Network

• Published in: Langmuir Vol. 26; no. 16; pp. 13697 - 13702
• Main Authors: Janáky, Csaba, Bencsik, Gábor, Rácz, Árpád, Visy, Csaba, de Tacconi, Norma R, Chanmanee, Wilaiwan, Rajeshwar, Krishnan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 17.08.2010
• Subjects: Electrochemistry: Charge Transfer, Electrocatalysis, Kinetics, Bioelectrochemistry
• ISSN: 0743-7463; 1520-5827
• DOI: 10.1021/la101300n

This study focuses on electrodeposition for infiltrating in situ a conducting polymer such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) into a host titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube array (NTA) framework. The TiO2 NTA was electrosynthesized on titanium foil in turn by anodization in a fluoride-containing medium. The PEDOT layer was electrografted into the TiO2 NTA framework using a two-step potentiostatic growth protocol in acetonitrile containing supporting electrolyte. The nanoscopic features of oligomer/polymer infiltration and deposition in the NTA interstitial voids were monitored by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Systematic changes in the nanotube inner diameter and the wall thickness afforded insights into the evolution of the TiO2NTA/PEDOT hybrid assembly. This assembly was subsequently characterized by UV−visible diffuse reflectance, cyclic voltammetry, and photoelectrochemical measurements. These data serve as a prelude to further use of these hybrids in heterojunction solar cells.