Effects of surface oxide species on the electropolymerization of o-aminophenol on pretreated glassy carbon electrodes

The effects of surface species (e.g. surface oxide species, etc.) on electropolymerization of o-aminophenol on pretreated glassy carbon electrodes are investigated. It is found that surface oxide species can affect the electropolymerization of conducting polymer and electron-transfer rate on the electrochemically pretreated electrode substrate. It is also shown that electropolymerization rate increases with pretreatment potential. However, it is found that nitro groups formed by a chemical method on the electrode surface have a negative effect on the electropolymerization of o-aminophenol. The possible mechanisms are also proposed and discussed.