High-performance metal (Au,Cu)–polypyrrole nanocomposites for electrochemical borohydride oxidation in fuel cell applications.

Gold polypyrrole (AuPPy) and copper polypyrrole (CuPPy) nanocomposites were prepared by a simple one-step in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole monomer by Au3+ and Cu2+ ions. Owing to their characteristic physicochemical properties confirmed by optical and structural characterization methods, the behavior of these materials as electrocatalysts for borohydride oxidation reaction (BOR) was considered. BOR apparent activation energy was found to be 16 and 22 kJ mol−1 for AuPPy and CuPPy electrocatalyst, respectively. The stability of the two electrocatalysts was assessed by chronoamperometry. Moreover, fuel cell tests were carried out with AuPPy and CuPPy as anode electrocatalyst of a direct borohydride-peroxide fuel cell (DBPFC). Open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.30 V was obtained with both AuPPy and CuPPy, with the OCV increasing to 1.45 V upon adding a small amount of carbon (AuPPy-C). The peak power density of a DBPFC with BOR at AuPPy-C anode and hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction at Pt cathode was found to be ca. 162 mW cm−2 at 65 °C. [Display omitted] • Two stable nanocomposites, AuPPy and CuPPy, were synthesized by in situ method. • AuPPy and CuPPy exhibit electrocatalytic activity for borohydride oxidation. • AuPPy exhibits higher BOR activity with low activation energy. • π-conjugated PPy form in composites has better doping level through AuPPy matrix. • DBFC by BOR at AuPPy-C anode and H 2 O 2 reduction at Pt cathode reaches 162 mWcm−2 at 65 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]