Reversible Electron Transfer Reaction between Polyaniline and Thiol/Disulfide Couples

Reversible electron transfer was observed between polyaniline (PAn) and thiol/disulfide couples of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMcT), 2-mercapto-5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 2-mercaptopyridine, and thiophenol. Thus, PAn can be used as a molecular current collector for those insulating organosulfur compounds, which are promising high-capacity energy storage materials. Among those couples, DMcT exhibits the fastest reversible electron transfer. Electron transfer from other aromatic and aliphatic thiols to oxidized PAn is also observed. Effects of protons on the reactions and reaction kinetics are discussed.