New insight into electropolymerization of melamine. II: Low onset potential deposition of polymelamine with trace active bromine

In the present work, electrodeposition of polymelamine (pMel) was realized at relative low onset potentials in melamine aqueous solution containing additives of trace bromide ion (Br), which can greatly drive the polymerization reaction by anodically generated active bromine species. The experimental results showed that in neutral monomer solutions containing even as low as 1 mmol/L Br, the pMel film on glassy carbon electrode was effectively deposited at the anodic potential negatively shifted ca. 0.4 V than in 100 mmol/L chloride containing solutions. The effects of Br on the electropolymerization of melamine were studied by cyclic voltammetry, potentiostatic control, in situ electrochemical Raman spectra and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques, respectively. Based on above results, this method was utilized for electrochemical polymerization of pMel on gold substrates under mild conditions, making it casting a pMel film on noncarbonaceous materials for the first time.

Automated summary

In this study, electrodeposition of polymelamine (pMel) was achieved at relatively low onset potentials in a melamine aqueous solution containing trace bromide ion (Br). The addition of Br greatly promoted the polymerization reaction. Various techniques were used to investigate the effects of Br on the electropolymerization process, and a pMel film was successfully deposited on gold substrates.