Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole‐platinum composite for use as electrode material

Abstract Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole (PPy) supported platinum by a simple method is reported in this study. The porous structure of PPy and its tendency for doping with acids prompted us to utilize this property to incorporate platinum by adsorption followed by reduction on the PPy matrix. Dispersed platinum electro catalyst on the conducting PPy support provides favorable reaction site for redox reactions in electrochemical devices such as hydrox fuel cell. The mesoporous matrix of PPy as revealed by FESEM could facilitate effective contact between the reactant gases and electro catalyst. The cauliflower like structure of the PPy matrix could enhance the electrochemical active surface area of the catalyst. The composite material is characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), polarization study, four probe technique, density and porosity study. The CV highlights the use of PPy‐Pt hybrid as a capacitor and the Tafel plot infers on the high exchange current density of the hybrid material. POLYM. COMPOS. 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers