Electrochemical synthesis of free-standing poly(para-phenylene) films in composite electrolytes of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate and sulfuric acid

Free-standing poly(para-phenylene) (PPP) films with tensile strength of 30-50 MPa and conductivity in the order of 10−3 S cm−1 have been electrosynthesized by direct oxidation of benzene at a stainless steel electrode in a composite solvent of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) and concentrated sulfuric acid. The films were very shiny and flexible. The structure and morphology of the films were also studied by FT-infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.