Electrochemical deposition of conducting polymer coatings on magnesium surfaces in ionic liquid

A conducting polymer-based smart coating for magnesium (Mg) implants that can both improve the corrosion resistance of Mg and release a drug in a controllable way is reported. As the ionic liquid is a highly conductive and stable solvent with a very wide electrochemical window, the conducting polymer coatings can be directly electrodeposited on the active metal Mg in ionic liquid under mild conditions, and Mg is highly stable during the electrodeposition. The electrodeposited poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coatings on Mg are uniform and can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of Mg. In addition, the PEDOT coatings can load the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone during the electrodeposition, which can be subsequently released upon electric stimulation.