Structure and Electrocatalytic Properties of Copper-Containing Aniline–Melamine–Formaldehyde Polymer Composites

Abstract

Mixed aniline–melamine–formaldehyde polymer was synthesized by parallel polycondensation of the monomers with formaldehyde. Copper(II) chloride and copper oxides (CuO, Cu₂O) were introduced in situ the process. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of crystalline CuO phases at introducing CuCl₂ into the polymer and the appearance of copper particles in all the synthesized composites after using them as catalysts in electrohydrogenation of o-nitroaniline, which is caused by electrochemical reduction of copper cations from copper oxides. The use of the synthesized composites for the cathode activation in electrohydrogenation of o-nitroaniline increases the process rate by a factor of 1.5–2.5 compared to electrochemical reduction, and with 100% conversion to o-phenylenediamine.