Conducting polymer coatings

Nanotechnology researchers are conducting studies to develop electrically conducting polymers (ECP) and their nanocomposites. ECPs can combine the electronic characteristics of metals with engineering properties of polymers, to create ECP coatings. These polymers also have functional properties that are suitable for display and energy harvesting applications. Some of the popular ECPs that are investigated under these studies, include polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene (PTh), and polyaniline (PAni). It has been demonstrated that most of these polymers can be prepared by oxidative methods, electrodeposition, and metal-catalyzed coupling reactions of the aromatic and heterocyclic monomers. These polymers are being used in flat and sandwiched device applications. These polymers can be easily coated on glass, metal, plastic substrates, and surfaces, using dip-coating and even roll-to-roll coating methods.