Low-potential facile electrosyntheses of high-quality free-standing poly(fluorene-9-carboxylic acid) films

A novel conducting polymer, high-quality poly(fluorene-9-carboxylic acid) (PFCA) film, was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of fluorene-9-carboxylic acid (FCA) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing a certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). PFCA films obtained from this media showed good redox activity and stability. Optical properties were studied by UV–vis and fluorescent spectroscopy. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that solid PFCA film is a good blue-light emitter. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report on direct anodic oxidation of FCA.