Control of selectivity and electroactivity on underoxidized polypyrrole film electrodes

Abstract
Neutral (or under‐oxidized) PPY film electrodes were directly prepared by electropolymerization and elimination of the subsequent oxidation of the deposited PPY layers during the polymerization process. Electroactivity and selectivity could be established on these nonconducting, densely packed neutral PPY film electrodes through controlled oxidation. Development of electroactivity for different redox solutes was concluded to be a combination of the creation of conducting areas and the opening of transport channels in the neutral PPY network by the oxidation. Selectivity of the PPY film electrode was controlled by selection of electrolyte counter‐anion, management of molecular size, and change of pH.