Structural and sorptive properties of platinum-polyaniline and palladium-polyaniline systems obtained by cycling the electrode potential

The formation and electrochemical behavior of Pt-PAN and Pd-PAN systems for med on the surface of glassy-carbon electrodes during the potential cycling in solutions of aniline, a metal-catalyst salt, and a supporting electroly te (1 M H2SO4) are examined. The true surface area of Pt and Pd deposits in corporated into polyaniline (PAN) may be determined from the adsorption of copper atoms. A polyaniline matrix facilitates the formation of fine Pd dep osits (particle size 8-10 nm) as compared with Pt deposits (similar to 40 n m). PAN films affect adsorption properties of Pt particles with respect to hydrogen and copper. Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals substantial diff erences between morphologies of Pt-PAN and Pd-PAN. Microparticles of metals -catalysts substantially affect redox properties of PAN films and accelerat e their degradation.