Raman spectroscopic investigation of aniline: adsorption and polymerisation

The adsorption and polymeridation of aniline in an acidic electrolyte solution on a gold electrode were investigated using Surface Raman Spectroscopy. The adsorbed aniline and the oxidized and reduced states of its polymer are characterized. The polymerisation proceeds via the adsorption of aniline on the gold electrode to the formation of a polymer similar to previously described products formed by chemical or electrochemical polymerization on various substrates. The oxidized state of the polymer shows an absorption continuum; subsequent reduction of the film restores the spectroscopic properties of the initial polymer.