Doping raises molecule
performance
By analogy with
semiconductor technology one speaks of
doping the polymer when it is subjected to
oxidation with iodine vapour. The more electrons
are removed, the higher the degree of doping and
the greater the conductivity.
While polyacetylene can be
persuaded to conduct current as well as many
metals do, this material is unfortunately no good
for practical use. Its conductivity drops rapidly
in contact with air. This has led to the
development of more stable, conjugated polymers,
e.g. polypyrrol, polyaniline and
polytiophene.