Doping and Diffusion in an Extruded Saloplastic Polyelectrolyte Complex

Doping constants and diffusion coefficients for an extruded, stoichiometric, dense polyelectrolyte complex, PEC, were determined for a Hofmeister series of anions. These thermodynamic and kinetic parameters describe the extent and speed to which a complex of poly(styrenesulfonate) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) may be doped. Both parameters followed a Hofmeister ordering and covered a wide range of response. Differences between doping and undoping kinetics were observed, with the latter adhering well to classical diffusion from the cylindrical geometry employed. Tracer diffusion of radiolabeled Na +, compared with coupled diffusion of NaCl, revealed slightly faster diffusion of Na + compared to Cl – ions within the PEC.