Electrostatic electrochemistry: Nylon and polyethylene systems

0009-2614/$ see front matter 2009 Elsevier B.V. A doi:10.1016/j.cplett.2009.12.009 * Corresponding author. Address: University of Tex Biochemistry, 1 University Sta. A5300, Austin, TX 7812 512 471 0088. E-mail address: [email protected] (A.J. Bard) Electrostatic charges generated on polymer surfaces by contact electrification e.g. polyethylene (PE) contacted with polyamide (Nylon), are capable of carrying out redox reactions. For example, metal ions such as Pd, Ag, and Cu were reduced, leading to a metal film deposition on the polymer, FeðCNÞ 6 was reduced to FeðCNÞ 6 , and chemiluminescence was produced. These results reinforce the electron transfer mechanism of contact electrification and the concept of ‘single electrode electrochemistry’ using PE or Nylon (or PTFE) as the source of charge. From the extent of the redox reactions, one estimates charge densities of up to about 10/cm. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.