Electroinitiated Polymerization of N-Vinylcarbazole by Direct Electron Transfer

Electroinitiated polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole has been accomplished by constant potential electrolysis. It was found that direct electron transfer from the monomer to the anode initiates the polymerization even at a potential as low as +0.95 V versus Ag^?/ Ag⁺. Dichloromethane was used as the solvent, and the electrolyte was tetrabutylammonium fluoroborate. Conversions as high as 86% were reached even when a microelectrode was used. Effects of electrode area, temperature, and electrode potential on polymerization were studied. Percent conversion was followed by cyclic voltammetry.