Synthesis of poly(ferrocenylsilanes) with different molecular weight and their electrochemical behavior

Abstract

A series of poly(ferrocenylsilanes) (PFS) with different molecular weight have been prepared via the thermal ring-opening polymerization of the corresponding monomers. The electrochemical behavior of poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFDMS) and poly(ferrocenylmethylphenylsilane) (PFMPS) in solutions were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). It was found that PFS could be adsorbed and electrodeposited on the Pt electrode surface, and the electroactive multilayer films formed on the Pt electrode surface influenced the shape of the voltammogram. The redox potential varied with the molecular weight slightly, and ⌬E 1/2 became smaller with the increase in molecular weight.

Synthesis and electrochemical behavior of linear oligo(ferrocenylsilane) and hyperbranched poly(ferrocenylsilane)

“…4(A)] with E pa values at 0.76 and 0.86 V versus Ag/AgCl. This result was similar to that of high molecular weight linear poly(ferrocenylsilanes) reported by Wang et al9 and Manners and coworkers 3. The reason for asymmetry peaks observed is proposed that the solubility of oxidated state ferrocenium is poor in these solvents, so that they may adsorb onto the electrode surface, which makes the reduction peak current larger than the oxidation peak current.…”

“…Ferrocene‐containing polymers are of considerable interest for researchers, due to their excellent electric, magnetic, optic properties, etc 1–21. The study of their electrochemical properties is very important, because it is helpful for us to understand the redox mechanism of these novel functional polymer materials and the factors that influence charge transfer.…”

“…The study of their electrochemical properties is very important, because it is helpful for us to understand the redox mechanism of these novel functional polymer materials and the factors that influence charge transfer. The electrochemical properties of linear poly(ferrocenylsilanes) with high molecular weight, obtained from the thermal induced ROP, both in solutions or for films, have been studied systematically by Manners and coworkers3 and Wang and coworkers 5–12. The electrochemical study of oligo(ferrocenylsilanes) can help us get insight into the electrochemical behavior of poly (ferrocenylsilanes) and related polymers.…”

“…But reports about electrochemical properties of these polymers in solutions were not enough 13, 15. We are interested in the synthesis of novel linear and HPFS and their electrochemical properties in solutions or for films 5–12, 20, 23–25. These polymers have been applied widely as mediator of electrode,5, 7–9 for self‐assembly,20 ion recognition,25 and so on.…”