We report in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopic (EC-AFM) data and spectroelectrochemical
results on doping−undoping of the films of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) in propylene carbonate
(PC) and aqueous solutions of 0.1 M LiClO4. The redox process of the polymer in propylene carbonate is
accompanied by significant changes of the polymer thickness. This phenomenon is discussed in terms of
polymer swelling and structural reconfiguration of the film, markedly delayed with respect to the charge
transfer between the polymer and the substrate and exchange of the ions between the polymer matrix and
the electrolyte solution. A large hysteresis for expansion and shrinking of the film is observed. In aqueous
solutions, the hydrophobicity of alkyl chains limits the transfer of water molecules into the film and, in
consequence, hinders the film reconfiguration. The thickness changes observed during polymer doping−undoping in water are about six times smaller than those observed in PC solution.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.