Electrosynthesis of poly (4-amino-3-nitrostyrene) film and its characterization

Polymeric coatings of styrene derivatives due to its ease of production and application have been employed in fascinating range of applications. Distinct from other polymerization techniques, electrodeposition offers as a convenient strategy to achieve strong adherence between the polymer films and electrode surfaces which is highly desirable for functional coatings. In this study, it was aimed to electrosynthesize and characterize the functional polymer, poly (4-amino-3-nitrostyrene), for the first time. Electrosynthesis from 4-amino-3-nitrostyrene monomer onto gold electrodes was investigated in 0.1 M tetrabutyl ammonium perchlorate/dichloromethane solution. Cathodic electropolymerization was performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) with a potential range of 0.4 V to − 2.0 V vs. SCE. The properties of the obtained polymeric coatings were investigated via electrochemical, microscopic and spectrochemical methods. The redox and charge transfer resistance behaviour of the resulting polymer was examined via CV and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Spectroscopic (UV–Vis, ATR-FTIR) techniques were employed to distinguish between the monomer and the obtained polymer film. The polymeric film thickness was measured by an optical profilometer and the optical energy gap of the obtained film was 2.41 eV. Scanning electron microscopy characterization of the polymer on the substrate revealed a compact film structure. Contact angle measurements displayed the low wettability of the polymer. Due to the good adhesion of the coatings, its usability for future corrosion protection studies was examined via EIS measurements. Electropolymerized poly (4-amino-3-nitrostyrene) showed a good potential to be used as a corrosion protection coating material since it preserved a long-term corrosion resistance. Graphical abstract