Immobilised Electrocatalysts: Nafion Particles Doped with Ruthenium(II) Tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)

Nafion particles doped with ruthenium(II) tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl) are synthesized by using a re‐precipitation method. Characterization including SEM sizing and quantification of Ru(bpy)32+ in the Nafion particles using UV/Vis spectroscopy was conducted. The synthesized Ru‐Nafion particles were investigated electrochemically at both ensemble and single particle levels. Voltammetry of the drop‐cast Ru‐Nafion particles evidences the successful incorporation of Ru(bpy)32+ into the Nafion particle but only a small fraction of the incorporated Ru(bpy)32+ was detected due at least in part to the formation of the likely agglomerated and irregular “mat” associated with the dropcast technique. In contrast, nano‐impact experiments provided a quantitative determination of the amount of Ru(bpy)32+ in single Ru‐Nafion particles. Finally, oxidation of solution‐phase oxalate mediated by Ru(bpy)32+ within individual Nafion particles was observed, showing the electrocatalytic properties of the Ru‐Nafion particles.