Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of Pd-Dispersed 3,4-Polyethylenedioxythiophene Film in Hydrogen Evolution and Ethanol Electro-oxidation Reactions

We report in this study that a thin film of Pd nanoparticles dispersed in 3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) shows remarkable electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction in acid medium and ethanol electro-oxidation reaction in alkaline medium. The method of preparation of Pd PEDOT nanocomposite film involves the formation of Pd nanoparticles by the dissolution of Pd anode and simultaneous oxidative polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene followed by deposition as a thin film on the gold substrate. The highly enhanced catalytic activity of the nanocomposite film with a relatively low Pd concentration is attributed to the higher catalytic activity of nanosized Pd on gold substrate and the electrically conducting path provided by the PEDOT matrix.