Effect of monomer concentration on interfacial synthesis of platinum loaded polyaniline nanocomplex using poly(styrene sulfonic acid)

Polyaniline–poly(styrene sulfate)–platinum (PANI–PSS–Pt) composites were prepared via interfacial synthesis. Polymerization of aniline and an incorporation of platinum (Pt) in polyaniline (PANI) were carried out simultaneously by using H2PtCl6 as an oxidizing agent in poly(styrene sulfonic acid) solution. To find an optimal synthesis condition, PANI–PSS–Pt composites were prepared with different mole ratio of aniline monomer and platinum precursor concentration. Resulting composites were compared with PANI–Pt–PSS composites prepared by using non-interfacial synthesis method.Doping degree and electronic structure of PANI–PSS–Pt composites were characterized by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The morphological structures of PANI–PSS–Pt were evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical behaviors of PANI–PSS–Pt were investigated according to their characteristic current–voltage curves. PANI–PSS–Pt composite synthesized in 0.05 M monomer concentration showed smaller cluster size of composites and the highest current density value of 0.45 mA/mg.

To find an optimal synthesis condition and confirm electrochemical properties of PANI–PSS–Pt composite for electrode material, we performed this work by changing synthesis condition such as mole ratio of ANI and Pt precursor. It was found that the composites could be successfully prepared by using interfacial polymerization method. In graph b (mole ratio of Pt/ANI was 1:10), the composite electrode showed high specific current density meaning an improved electroactivity in comparison to graph a (1:4) or graph c (1:40).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► PANI composites were prepared by using an interfacial polymerization.
► Monomer content influenced the morphological and electrochemical properties.
► Synthesis condition was studied by changing mole ratio of ANI and Pt precursor.
► Electrochemical performance was related with the cluster size of Pt particles.