Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of palladium-containing electroactive polymers

The chemical deposition of palladium into the matrix of the electroactive polymers, polyaniline and polypyrrole, was investigated. The process involved the treatment of the electroactive polymers with acid solutions containing Pd(II) ions. It was found that the rate of palladium uptake was significantly higher when the polymers were reduced to their lowest oxidation state, and the rate of the reaction and the state of the palladium incorporated into the polymer matrix were dependent on the nature of the anions in solution. The Pd-containing electroactive polymers were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, and surface area and particle size measurements. The catalytic properties have been studied in the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene and compared to those of palladium supported on aluminum oxide and PdCl2. The XPS analysis of the Pd-containing polymer catalysts showed only slight changes in the state of the palladium and the polymer support after hydrogenation reaction.