Composite membranes with conducting polymer microtubules as new electroactive and transport systems

Abstract

AbstractComposite membranes consisting of microporous polyethylene films and the layers of electroconducting polymers have been elaborated. Polyethylene films were prepared in the process based on melt extrusion with subsequent annealing, uniaxial extension, and thermofixation. Permeability, the size distribution of the through flow channels, and mechanical characteristics of porous films have been determined. Polypyrrole and polyaniline were used as conducting polymers which were deposited onto porous films by oxidative polymerization from a gas (polypyrrole) or liquid (polyaniline) phase of a monomer. It has been shown that the relief‐like character of the surface and the porous structure of polyethylene films provide very high adhesion of conducting layer to porous support. Conducting layers were deposited onto the surface of the porous support and also on the pore walls of pores. The layers inside through flow channels in the porous support form microtubules connecting two membrane surfaces. Surface and volume electrical conductivity, resistance of composite membranes in electrolytes, and their mechanical characteristics have been measured. Shrinkage and thermodeformational behavior of the polyethylene support and composites have been compared and analyzed. Atomic force microscopy, IR spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, and mechanical and thermomechanical tests have been used for investigation of the structure and properties of porous films and composite membranes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.