One-step synthesis of 3D dendritic gold@polypyrrole nanocomposites via a simple self-assembly method and their electrocatalysis for H2O2

Novel spherical three-dimensional (3D) dendritic gold@polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by reacting pyrrole monomer with chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) through a self-assembly process in the presence of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), which acts as both dopant and surfactant. The formation probability and the size of the dendritic gold@PPy nanocomposites depended on the concentrations of PSS, pyrrole and HAuCl4, and reaction temperature. The dendritic AuNPs@PPy nanocomposites were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the AuNPs@PPy nanocomposites had high electrocatalytic activity toward H2O2, which showed excellent potential application in sensing.

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► 3D dendritic Au@polypyrrole nanocomposites were synthesized by a self-assembly process.
► Morphology of composite was controlled by concentration of reactant and temperature.
► The nanocomposites showed high electrocatalytic activity toward H2O2.