The effect of polypyrrole-bound anthraquinonedisulphonate dianion on cathodic reduction of oxygen

Functionalized polypyrrole (PPy) films were prepared by incorporation of anthraquinonedisulphonate (AQDS) as doping anion during the electropolymerization of pyrrole (Py) monomer at a glassy carbon electrode from aqueous solution. The electrochemical behavior of the PPy-bound AQDS modified electrode and cathodic reduction of oxygen on the resulting polymer film were studied. An obvious surface redox reaction corresponding to AQ/H2AQ was observed and the dependence of this reaction on the solution pH was also illustrated. The electrocatalytic ability of the PPy-bound AQDS modified electrode was demonstrated by the electroreduction of oxygen at the optimized pH of 6.3 in a phosphate buffer. The reduced AQDS (H2AQ) is responsible for the extraordinary catalytic activity to the oxygen reduction reaction. The PPy layers not only act as an electron mediator, but also facilitate the stability of the modified electrode. It was found that the catalytic reaction occurred in the presence of the bound AQDS and O2 is in agreement with an electrochemical-chemical (EC) mechanism. The kinetic parameters of oxygen reduction were determined using Koutecky-Levich equation and Tafel polarization technique.