Award Date

1-1-2008

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Committee Member

David W. Hatchett

Number of Pages

65

Abstract

Polyaniline (PANI) is an acid doped conductive polymer. The electrochemical preparation of PANI allows the oxidation state, proton doping, and conductivity to be controlled. The high electron density can be utilized to reduce metal species into the polymer. The metal provides discrete reaction sites that can be exploited for catalysis and chemical sensing. The electrochemical reduction of PdCl62- or PdC142- into PANI was used to produce PANI/Pd composites. Characterization of the composites using Fourier-transform infrared analysis and scanning electron microscopy provides insight into the chemical properties, oxidation state of the polymer and metal, and the morphology of the composite. The hydrogen storage capacity and electrocatalytic properties of the composites were also explored. PANI/Pd composites display greater catalytic activity and hydrogen storage capacity than the individual components. The enhanced hydrogen storage and catalytic activity are likely due to the higher metal surface area in the composites compared to bulk palladium.

Keywords

Characterization; Composites; Electrochemical; Palladium; Polyaniline; Synthesis

Controlled Subject

Chemistry, Analytic

File Format

pdf

File Size

1505.28 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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