Electroless synthesis of multibranched gold nanostructures encapsulated by poly(o-phenylenediamine) in Nafion

Multibranched gold (Au) nanocomposite materials encapsulated by poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) (Au@PoPD) were synthesized in a Nafion polymer film through the electroless synthetic route. The micro-heterogeneous structured Nafion film acted as a reaction vessel and as the template for the formation of Au@PoPD nanocomposite materials leading to the formation of highly uniform distribution of high density of the polymer–gold nanocomposite material. The formation of Au@PoPD nanomaterials at the GP/Nf surface was scrutinized by recording in situ absorption spectra and was characterized. The formation of the (1 1 1) plane of gold was dominant at the Au@PoPD nanocomposite. The ratio of the benzenoid and quinoid units of the PoPD (ca. 1.65) observed for the Au@PoPD confirmed that the micro-heterogeneous structure of Nf film acted as a reaction vessel and as template for the formation of Au@PoPD nanocomposite material. Both PoPD and Au at the Au@PoPD nanocomposite showed electrochemical activities at the GC/Nf–Au@PoPD modified electrode. The electrocatalytic activity of the GC/Nf–Au@PoPD modified electrode was studied for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).

Novel PoPD encapsulated cactus like Au nanocomposites materials were synthesized in Nafion film through the electroless synthetic route.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (134 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► o-Phenylenediamine (oPD) acts as a reducing agent and PoPD encapsulates Aunano.
► First report on the preparation of cactus like Aunano@PoPD in Nafion matrix.
► Nafion film acts as a reaction vessel and as the template for Aunano formation.
► Both PoPD and Aunano are electrochemically active.