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Improvement of Current Efficiency in Anodic Chlorination of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) by using a Boron Trifluoride‐Diethyl Ether Complex
Author(s) -
Kurioka Tomoyuki,
Nishiyama Hiroki,
Tomita Ikuyoshi,
Inagi Shinsuke
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201701282
Subject(s) - boron trifluoride , acetonitrile , diethyl ether , cyclic voltammetry , chemistry , supporting electrolyte , electrochemistry , ether , inorganic chemistry , electrolyte , boron , chloride , organic chemistry , electrode , catalysis
We report that the use of a boron trifluoride‐diethyl ether complex (BFEE) as an electrolyte greatly improves the current efficiency in the anodic chlorination of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) compared to the conventional electrochemical post‐functionalization method using an acetonitrile (MeCN) solution. The oxidation potential of P3HT is successfully decreased, whereas that of a chloride ion (Cl − ) can be significantly increased in BFEE, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry. Given these findings, we investigated the anodic chlorination of P3HT films in the presence of Cl − as a nucleophile in BFEE and a mixed solution of BFEE/MeCN, thereby suppressing undesirable oxidation of Cl − . Characterization and optoelectronic property studies of the obtained chlorinated P3HT were carried out.