Synthesis of poly (2-Methoxyaniline)/sodium dodecyl sulfate film including bimetallic Pt-Cu nanoparticles and its application for formic acid oxidation

In this work, a facile, low cost and environmental friendly method without the use of any linking chemicals, i.e. galvanic replacement (transmetalation) is used for preparation of bimetallic Pt-Cu nanoparticles (NPs) onto highly porous poly (2-Methoxyaniline)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (P2MA-SDS) film. Electrochemical response of the prepared P2MA at the presence of SDS in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution is, at least, 18 times higher than that obtained in the absence of SDS at the carbon paste electrode surface. The prepared bimetallic Pt-Cu NPs are verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The SEM images reveal that SDS strongly influences morphology of the polymer film. The Pt-Cu NPs formed on the P2MA-SDS film are with average sizes about 65 nm. The obtained results from cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry reveal that the Pt-Cu NPs demonstrate enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards formic acid oxidation. Furthermore, the effects of several parameters such as P2MA thickness, 2 MA, and SDS concentrations towards formic acid oxidation as well as long-term stability of the electrocatalyst have been investigated.