Conductive polymers are materials that can conduct electricity, a property traditionally associated with metals and semiconductors. These polymers are crucial for use in flexible electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices.
Step 1: Understanding Conductive Polymer Synthesis
- Conductive polymers, such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene, require specific polymerization techniques.
- The most effective and widely used method for synthesizing conductive polymers is electrochemical polymerization.
Step 2: Evaluating the Options
- Option (A) - Incorrect: Free radical polymerization is used for many non-conductive polymers like polystyrene.
- Option (B) - Incorrect: Condensation polymerization is typically used for polyesters and polyamides, not for conductive polymers.
- Option (C) - Correct: Electrochemical polymerization allows precise control over polymer structure and conductivity.
- Option (D) - Incorrect: Ionic polymerization is used to synthesize specialized polymers, not typically conductive ones.
Step 3: Conclusion
Since electrochemical polymerization is the primary method for synthesizing conductive polymers, the correct answer is option (C).