Mechanochemical preparation of conducting polymers and oligomers

Three types of conducting polymers - polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene (PTh), and polyparaphenylene (PPP), - are prepared by environmentally friendly and efficient solvent-free mechanochemical method. The experimental data obtained in the work argue for a high molecular weight for PPy, whereas PTh and PPP are represented by different oligomers. Measurements of conductivity confirm formation of the doped state of PPy, weakly doped state of PTh and non-doped state of PPP. Interrelation between the doping state and degree of polymerization is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.