Nanostructured star-shaped polythiophene with tannic acid core: Synthesis, characterization, and its physicochemical properties

Abstract

For the first time, synthesis and characterization of a nanostructured star-shaped polythiophene (PTh) with tannic acid core by both chemical and electrochemical oxidation polymerization methods through a core-first method is reported. The chemical structures of all samples as representatives were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The electroactivity behaviors of the synthesized samples were verified under cyclic voltammetric conditions, and their conductivities were determined using the four-probe technique. The synthesized star-shaped PTh showed higher electrical conductivity and electroactivity than those of the PTh in both chemical and electrochemical polymerized samples, due to its large surface area, spherical, and three-dimensional structure. Moreover, the thermal behaviors, optical properties, and morphologies of the synthesized samples were investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43513.