HREELS and Auger studies of conducting polymers

Abstract

High Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (HREELS) and Auger Spectroscopy have been used to examine the surface of conducting polymer samples. The samples were 100 nm thick films of polypyrrole doped with either BF 4 or ClO 4 negative ions. The films were made in Sweden and shipped to the USA for study. HREELS spectra could be obtaineed without difficulty in the samples' “as-is” condition. These spectra showed broad bands corresponding to known polypyrrole vibrational modes. Exposure of the polymer to oxygen had no effect, but water could be adsorbed on the samples at 130 K. In addition to vibrational excitations, broader electronic transitions were also identified. Auger studies were performed in an effort to characterize the surface. These studies indicate that considerable non-stoichiometry exists in the surface region. There were, as expected, problems due to questionable sample cleanliness, sample charging, and electron beam damage.