Structural and electronic transitions in polyaniline: A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study

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Abstract
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic studies are carried out on different, potentiometric well defined oxidation states of polyaniline in aqueous acidic and organic electrolytes. During the oxidation process ring structures transform from benzenoid into quinoid states. The fully reduced state of polyaniline shows differences in the anion contents in acidic and organic electrolytes. The 400 mV vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE) oxidized state has the maximum number of the intercalated anions in aqueous acidic media in accordance with supporting potentiometric titration experiments. This conducting form of polyaniline shows similar FTIR spectra in organic as well as in acidic media. For the oxidized state at 800 mV vs SCE, a deintercalation of anions in aqueous acidic, or further intercalation in organic electrolyte is observed. Beyond 800 mV vs SCE, polyaniline shows degradation processes in aqueous acidic media which are found to proceed via formation of benzoquinone‐like structures and finally result in a complete dissolution of the polymer.