Insoluble poly(anthranilic acid) confined in Nafion membrane by chemical and electrochemical polymerization of anthranilic acid

Self-doped polyaniline (PANI) possesses superior electrochemical properties and processability in relation to the PANI due to an acid group substituted on the polymer backbone. However, the polar acid group causes the self-doped PANI to undergo dissolution in aqueous, in particular, acidic solutions. To prevent the solubility, poly(anthranilic acid), PANA, is confined in the cavities of the Nafion membrane by a novel electrochemical as well as a conventional chemical polymerization of anthranilic acid. The PANA is characterized by electrochemical, optical, spectroscopic and scanning electron microscopic studies.