EFFECTS OF NANOSCALE SURFACE DEFECTS ON ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION

Surface defects on the substrate electrode have significant effects on electropolymerization processes. Influence of surface defects mechanically formed on a Pt electrode on electrochemical polymerization of aniline was investigated. Interestingly, it was found that existence of such surface defects leads to more favorable electropolymerization. In this case, surface defects acts as nucleation centers for subsequent growth of the conductive polymer. This is accompanied by the formation of denser polymer film with smoother surface. This smoothness also exists in nanoscale. These are interesting advantages for application purposes.