Bimetallic Co–Cu polyaniline composites: Structure and electrocatalytic activity

Abstract

Bimetallic Co–Cu polyaniline composites were produced by oxidative polymerization of aniline, with ammonium peroxydisulfate and hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agents. Co(II) and Cu(II) chlorides were introduced into the polymer by the in situ method. It was found that the phase constitution of the composites is affected by their synthesis conditions and content of both metals in them. The electrocatalytic activity of the composites in the electrohydrogenation of p-nitroaniline in an aqueous-alcoholic-alkaline medium of the catholyte was studied and found to exceed that of composites synthesized with the use of H₂O₂ and evaporation of the solvent.