Using the rotating disk electrode for evaluating film porosity of conductive polymers

Conductive polymer (poly-o-phenylenediamine and poly-3-methylthiophene) films were synthesized on a rotating disk electrode. Dependences of the limiting penetration currents on the nature of the polymer and film thickness were obtained in solutions containing electroactive substances (hydroquinone, quinone) reducing or oxidiring at redox potentials beyond the range of polymer electroactivity (selected by adjusting the pH value). The transport of hydroquinone and quinone test species through the pores in polymer films was examined based on the results of these studies, and the degree of film porosity was evaluated.