Understanding Polymer Electrodeposition and Conducting Polymer Modified Electrodes Using Electrochemistry, Spectroscopy, and Scanning Probe Microscopy

Conducting polymers are critically important materials in organic electronic platforms relevant to sustainability (organic photovoltaics and organic light-emitting diodes) and wearable electronics (organic electrochemical transistors). However, most chemistry students do not receive formal training in the fundamental properties and extensive characterization of these fascinating materials. Described here are four scaffolded learning modules adapted from the primary literature and designed to build the fundamental understanding and practical skills necessary for productive contribution to emerging research in the field of conducting polymers and conducting polymer modified electrodes (CPMEs). These activities were performed by first-year chemistry graduate students and have been used in the lab to orient and equip new student researchers with the electrochemical, spectroscopic, and spectroelectrochemical skillsets central to working in CPMEs. First year master’s students and undergraduate student researchers worked individually to complete data collection, analysis, and interpretation over three 4 h periods with additional time for sample preparation and imaging. Alternatively, one or more of these modules can be adapted and performed by pairs or groups of three over two 4 h lab periods as part of an undergraduate course such as instrumental analysis, polymers, and macromolecules, or as a capstone experience; instructions for these and other modifications are as described herein. If lab equipment and/or available time are limiting factors, sufficient sample data are provided for use as dry laboratories. Through completion of these modules, student researchers learn how to build chemically rational explanations for the electrochemical and spectroscopic signals, to collectively examine data from multiple complementary characterization techniques, and to extract enabling structure–property relationships, all while coming to see themselves as researchers and members of a worldwide scientific community.