Optimization of the electropolymerization of 1-amino-9,10-anthraquinone conducting films from aqueous media

The optimum conditions for the electrochemical preparation of poly(1-amino-9,10-anthraquinone), PAAQ, films in environmentally safe aqueous solutions were investigated. The conducting polymer films were prepared by electrochemical oxidation of 1-amino-9,10-anthraquinone, AAQ, in sulfuric acid solutions in the potential range from 0.0 to +1.3 V. The influence of scan repetition, scan rate, and monomer concentration on the formation process and the properties of the polymer film were studied. The electrochemical response of the formed polymer film was investigated in both aqueous and non-aqueous media. The polymer films were found to be stable in aqueous acidic media. In non-aqueous solutions, like acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide and dioxin, the polymer films showed remarkable degradation. The best electrochemical response of the PAAQ films was found to be in the potential range between +0.3 and +0.9 V. The presence of quinone units in the polymer film chain suggests promising applications of these conducting polymers in lightweight (rechargeable) batteries, electrochromic display devices, and biosensor and corrosion protection.