Doping

Doping is not a chemical process that needs to be understood in depth in Level 2 Chemistry. However, a basic understanding of this process will help explain and discuss the properties, uses and developments of polyacetylene.

Doping is a chemical process that adds or removes electrons, changing the conductive properties of a substance (making it a better electrical conductor). It is much like rubbing a plastic ruler (or rod) with a cloth, except that the change is more long-lasting.

Doping usually involves one of two chemical processes:

OXIDATION: loss of electrons/removal of electrons

REDUCTION: gain of electrons/addition of electrons

The removal of electrons works by "making space" for electrons from a power source.

The addition of electrons works by overloading each atom with electrons. These electrons go into higher energy levels, so are easily "moved on" to the next atom by electrons from a power source.