Preparation and characterization of poly(2′-aminomethyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) by chemical oxidative polymerization

Poly(2′-aminomethyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) was synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization of 2′-aminomethyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene in the presence of different oxidants, such as FeCl 3 , Ce(SO 4 ) 2 , (NH 4 ) 2 Ce(NO 3 ) 6 , and (NH 4 ) 2 S 2 O 8 . The as-formed polymer was investigated by FTIR, UV–Vis, and Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction to determine the structure, photophysical properties, thermal stability, and polymer phase. FTIR and Raman spectra measurements indicated that the formation of macromolecules occurred exclusively via α,α-coupling of thiophene rings. Moreover, polymer obtained in polymerization using Ce(SO 4 ) 2 as the oxidant displayed superior thermal stability. All the characterizations indicated that FeCl 3 was the more suitable oxidant for oxidative polymerization of the monomer and provided formation of polymer with higher yield.