A novel one-pot synthesis of free standing Pd–PPy films: Observation of enhanced catalytic effect by Pd–Ppy layers

A novel one-pot method to synthesize palladium nanoparticles incorporated polypyrrole films (Pd–Ppy) is described. The films are homogeneous with palladium particles and can be peeled from the electrode surface as a free standing films. Novelty of this procedure is that the palladium particles are prepared and stabilized in presence of the surface-active dopant, dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid sodium salt (NaDBSA), and are incorporated in to the polymer matrix along with dopant during the growth of the film. It is observed that the incorporation of palladium is uniform and homogeneous. An unprecedented catalytic activity by these Pd–Ppy composite layers in enhancing the rate of polymer deposition is observed. The films also electrocatalyze the oxidation of hydrazine more effectively than do the pure Ppy films.