Electropolymerization of catechol on wireless graphite electrode. Unusual cathodic polycatechol formation

Abstract In this paper, electrochemical polymerization of catechol was studied in a bipolar electrochemical cell. Our data illustrated simultaneous polymerization of the catechol at both anodic and cathodic bipolar electrode surfaces. The anodic polymerization of catechol is predictable; however the cathodic polymerization of catechol is reported for the first time. The mechanisms of anodic and cathodic electrochemical polymerization of catechol taking place at both of the bipolar electrodes are proposed. Also, the morphology and voltammetric behavior of polycatechol deposited on both ends of the bipolar electrode was compared together using the scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques.