Binding and Reduction of Silver Ions in Thin Polymeric Films of poly-[Fe(vbpy)2(CN)2],poly-vbpy

Abstract

Thin films of poly-[ Fe(vbpy),] (PF& formed an electrode surfaces by reductive electropolymerization of [ Fe(vbpy)3] (PF& (vbpy is 4-methyl-4’-vinyl-2,2’-bipyridine) undergo vbpy displacement with [NEt4] C N in acetonitrile to give poly[Fe(vbpy)z(CN)~],poly-vbpy. The dicyano films incorporate AgNOz forming poly[Fe(vbpy)z(CN)(CNAg)] (NO2),poly-vbpy as shown by FT-IR and XPS. Electrochemical reduction results in the formation of colloidal silver particles dispersed throughout the films. Under potential hold conditions, further aggregation occurs accompanied by diffusion to the film-electrode interface. Incorporation of AgNOz into films of poly[Fe(~bpy)~](PF6)2 also occurs but by partitioning rather than chemical binding. Electrochemical reduction gives colloidal Ago. Reduction of either film with AgN02 in the external solution results in the formation of C0.5 to 2-3 bm sized particles on the film surface as shown by SEM measurements.