Mechanism of Nanocomposite Formation in the Layer-by-Layer Single-Step Electropolymerization of π-Conjugated Azopolymers and Reduced Graphene Oxide: An Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Study

Abstract

This work presents a study of the formation mechanism of electrochemically deposited alternating layers of azopolymer and graphene oxide, as well as a systematic study of the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting nanocomposite films by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The nanocomposite films were constructed by cyclic electropolymerization, which allowed for the assembly of thin films with alternating azopolymers and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers in one step. Morphological characterizations were performed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and verified that the electrodeposition of the poly(azo-BBY) polymeric film occurred during the anodic sweep, and the deposition of graphene oxide sheets took place during the cathodic sweep. By analyzing the electrochemical impedance spectra using equivalent circuit models, variations in the resistance and capacitance values of the system were monitored as a function of the amount of electrodeposited material on the fluorine doped tin oxide electrode. In addition, the interfacial phenomena that occurred during the electroreduction of the rGO sheets were monitored with the same method.

A review of π-conjugated polymer-based nanocomposites for metal-ion batteries and supercapacitors

“…For fabrication of conjugated structures in polymers and determining the final characteristics of electrode material in the ESS, the synthesis strategies play a crucial role. There are various synthetic strategies for synthesis of π-CPs, which includes chemical oxidation [ 26 ], photochemical method [ 27 ], inclusion method [ 28 ], metathesis method [ 29 ], emulsion (mini and micro) method [ 29 , 30 ], solid-state method [ 29 , 31 ], plasma polymerization [ 29 , 32 ], electro-polymerization [ 33 ] and copolymerization method [ 34 ]. Out of these synthetic strategies, the oxidative polymerization method of synthesis is a highly preferred strategy for the synthesis of π-CPs in bulk form [ 29 ], drop-casting method and spin coating method, etc.…”

Strategies for Incorporating Graphene Oxides and Quantum Dots into Photoresponsive Azobenzenes for Photonics and Thermal Applications

“…After the grafting of the AZO molecules, the roughness of the GO nanosheets also increased because they were covered by many organic AZO addends. Oliveria et al reported that the formation of the poly(azo-Bismarck brown Y)-rGO nanocomposite film occurs by an electrochemical layer-by-layer mechanism, which generates a structure composed of poly(azo-BBY) polymeric film and rGO alternate layers [120]. Figure 25a shows a cross-sectional image of the electrode covered with the nanocomposite film.…”

“…( b ) magnified view of the FTO-poly(azo-BBY)-rGO interfacial area highlighted in yellow box. The SEM images were artificially colored [ 120 ].…”

Nanocomposite Materials Based on Electrochemically Synthesized Graphene Polymers: Molecular Architecture Strategies for Sensor Applications

“…Its impressive theoretical surface area can be highlighted, in comparison, to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), for which the inner area of the tube is not readily accessible for reactions or modifications. In addition, graphene also has impressive electron mobility along its π-conjugated network, drawing attention to applications in electronic devices [3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…The graphene-composite material synthesis step is a fundamental part of modulating the properties and characteristics that allow the material to achieve maximum efficiency. Among the various synthesis strategies, electrochemical syntheses have interesting and remarkable characteristics, mainly for the construction of thin films intended for applications in optical electronic devices, data and energy storage and as sensors [6,24,25]. Low-cost syntheses, with few preparation steps, added to the possibility of control over the electrosynthesized material, make electrochemical methods attractive alternatives for the construction of reduced graphene oxide-based materials [25].…”