Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of cyano groups containing conducting polymer supported catalyst for oxidation of formic acid

A new palladium (Pd) based catalyst was developed using poly(diphenylamine-co-3-aminobenzonitrile) (P (DPA-co-3ABN)) as the new catalyst support. The sizes, distribution and stability of Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) are strongly influenced by the cyano group (-CN) present in P(DPA-co-3ABN). Field emission scanning electron microscopy image and energy dispersive x-ray analysis revealed good dispersion of Pd NP onto P (DPA-co-3ABN) matrix. The electrocatalytic activity of P(DPA-co-3ABN)/Pd catalyst electrode (CE) was investigated in terms of formic acid (FA) electro oxidation. The onset potential and catalytic current for the electro oxidation of FA are higher at P(DPA-co-3ABN)/Pd-CE as compared to PdNPs loaded pristine PDPA catalyst electrode (PDPA/Pd-CE). P(DPA-co-3ABN)/Pd-CE exhibited 18 time higher electrocatalytic current than PDPA/Pd-CE for oxidation of FA. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.