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.