A [Ni(cyclam)]2+-functionalised poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):: Synthesis, electropolymerisation and characterisation of the polymer by cyclic voltammetry and, in situ reflectance FTIR spectroscopy

A 1,4,.8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) derivative of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) has been synthesised. Its square planar Ni(II) tetrafluorobo rate complex has been electrochemically polymerised, with EDOT itself, to give a highly stable conducting polymer with covalently attached [Ni(cyclam)](2+) Moieties. The cyclic voltammogram shows redox behaviour typical of a functionalised PEDOT, with the reversible Ni(II)-Ni(III) process of the [Ni(cyclam)](2+) complex superimposed. Reflectance in situ FTIR spectroscopy (RIFTIRS) shows that the presence of the metal complex has a profound influence upon the behaviour of the electronic band of the oxidised form of the polymer, and of the vibrational signature due to the charge carriers. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.