Preparation and characterization of Pt-polypyrrole nanocomposite for electrochemical reduction of oxygen

An easy and simple method of one-step reaction was employed to synthesize the platinum-adsorbed polypyrrole nanocomposite (Pt-PPy). The prepared nanocomposite materials were characterized using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and cyclic voltammetry. Polypyrrole within nanocomposite could crosslink to improve its stability on the Au substrates. O₂ reduction was performed at Au electrodes modified Pt-PPy in O₂-saturated 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution. The results clearly show that modification of Pt-PPy nanocomposite results in the enhancement of the electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen. The nanocomposite may provide a novel electrode material for application in fuel cells and oxygen sensors.