Synthesis of Au@CSCB and Au@HSPB catalysts by γ-irradiation and chemical reduction

We report here that deposition of Au nanoparticle on the surface of core–shell conductive balls (CSCB) and hollow spherical polypyrrole balls (HSPB) by radiation reduction of Au ions, in order to use catalysts in fuel cell. The CSCB was obtained by in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of the functionalized polystyrene (PS(F)) with hydrophilic groups like anhydride or boronic acid or carboxylic acid, and then the HSPB were obtained by the removal of the PS(F) core from CSCB. Subsequently, Au nanoparticles were deposited onto CSCB and HSPB by different methods like the reduction of metal ions by γ-irradiation and chemical reduction using NaBH4 as reducing agent assisted with ultrasonic irradiation, in order to prepare electrocatalysts for fuel cell. The catalytic efficiency of Au@CSCB and Au@HSPB catalyst was examined for CO stripping and methanol oxidation.