ZP is an ISO13485 contract developer, manufacturer and service provider of electrochemical technologies, including VoltDeposit.
VoltDeposit is a Cloud enabled robotized multichannel potentiostat system able to process multiple electrodes in a parallel and automated manner. One of the capabilities of VoltDeposit is the parallel deposition of polymers upon electrodes through electropolymerization.
ABOUT ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION
Electropolymerization is a process in which a polymer film or coating is formed on a conductive substrate by applying an electric current. It involves the electrochemical oxidation or reduction of monomer molecules in a solution, leading to the formation of a polymer film on an electrode surface.
During electropolymerization, the conductive substrate serves as an electrode, and the monomer molecules are dissolved in an electrolyte solution containing appropriate supporting electrolytes. The electrode is connected to an external power source, such as a potentiostat, which applies a controlled electrical potential or current.
The electropolymerization process typically involves two main steps:
- Initiation: Initially, a nucleation or initiation process occurs at the electrode surface. This can involve the oxidation or reduction of monomer molecules, resulting in the formation of reactive species or radicals.
- Growth: Once the initiation step takes place, the reactive species can undergo subsequent polymerization reactions. These reactions involve the formation of covalent bonds between monomer units, leading to the growth of a polymer film on the electrode surface.
The polymer film formed through electropolymerization can exhibit unique properties and functionalities based on the choice of monomer and polymerization conditions. This technique allows for precise control over the thickness, composition, and structure of the polymer film by adjusting parameters such as monomer concentration, applied potential or current, and polymerization time.
Electropolymerization has applications in various fields, including coatings, sensors, electronics, energy storage, and biomedical devices. It enables the fabrication of functional materials with tailored properties, such as conductivity, electroactivity, and biocompatibility, making it a valuable technique in materials science and electrochemistry.
