Editing Conductive polymer (section)

==Synthesis==
Conductive polymers are prepared by many methods. Most conductive polymers are prepared by oxidative coupling of monocyclic precursors. Such reactions entail [[dehydrogenation]]:
:n H–[X]–H <math>\;\rightarrow\;</math> H–[X]<sub>n</sub>–H + 2(n–1) H<sup>+</sup> + 2(n–1) e<sup>−</sup>
The low [[solubility]] of most polymers presents challenges. Some researchers add solubilizing functional groups to some or all monomers to increase solubility. Others address this through the formation of nanostructures and surfactant-stabilized conducting polymer dispersions in water. These include [[polyaniline nanofibers]] and [[Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)|PEDOT]]:[[Sodium polystyrene sulfonate|PSS]]. In many cases, the molecular weights of conductive polymers are lower than conventional [[polymer]]s such as polyethylene. However, in some cases, the [[molecular weight]] need not be high to achieve the desired properties.

There are two main methods used to synthesize conductive polymers, [[chemical synthesis]] and electro (co)polymerization. The [[organic synthesis|chemical synthesis]] means connecting carbon-carbon bond of monomers by placing the simple monomers under various condition, such as heating, pressing, light exposure and catalyst. The advantage is high yield. However, there are many plausible [[Chemical impurity|impurities]] in the end product. The electro (co)polymerization means inserting three electrodes (reference electrode, counter electrode and working electrode) into [[Solution (chemistry)|solution]] including reactors or monomers. By applying voltage to electrodes, redox reaction to synthesize polymer is promoted. Electro (co)polymerization can also be divided into [[Cyclic Voltammetry|Cyclic voltammetry]] and Potentiostatic method by applying cyclic voltage<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Kesik | first1 = M. | last2 = Akbulut | first2 = H. | last3 = Soylemez | first3 = S. | year = 2014 | title = Synthesis and characterization of conducting polymers containing polypeptide and [[ferrocene]] side chains as ethanol biosensors | journal = Polym. Chem. | volume = 5 | issue = 21| pages = 6295–6306 | doi = 10.1039/c4py00850b }}</ref> and constant voltage, respectively. The advantage of Electro (co)polymerization are the high purity of products. But the method can only synthesize a few products at a time.