Chemical synthesis, characterization and electro-oxidation of hydrazine via a carbon paste electrode modified with poly (P-phenylendiamine/Al2O3) nanocomposite

In this article, the chemical synthesis and characterization of Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersed into poly (P-phenylendiamine) (PpDP) was reported. The morphology, conductivity and structure of the nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), four probe testing and XRD experiment, respectively. Catalytic activity and stability for the oxidation of hydrazine were studied by using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that the nanocomposite significantly enhances the effective surface area and the catalytic activity of the CPE (carbon paste electrode) for oxidation of hydrazine. The results obtained confirmed that the dispersion of the Al2O3 particles is connected with catalytic response to a higher activity. The nanotubular morphology of poly (P-phenylendiamine) helps in the effective dispersion of Al2O3 particles facilitating the easier access of hydrazine to the catalytic sites. The poly (P-phenylendiamine) nanotubes modified with Al2O3 nanoparticles cause a great increase in electroactivity and the electro-catalytic properties of CPE for hydrazine oxidation.

► A novel nanocomposite based on poly (P-phenylendiamine)/alumina was synthesized.
► It was observed that the nanocomposite increased the surface catalytic activity of CPE toward oxidation of hydrazine.
► The EIS measurements showed that the values of Rct decreases by the nanoalumina presence.