Development and Characterization of Highly Efficient Integrated Electrocatalytic Systems Utilizing Nanostructured Catalysts and Gold Nanoparticles

• Published in: ECS transactions Vol. 53; no. 16; pp. 27 - 40
• Main Authors: Zoladek, Sylwia, Rutkowska, Iwona Agnieszka, Skorupska, Katarzyna, Wadas, Anna, Gierwatowska, M., Kulesza, Pawel J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Electrochemical Society, Inc 06.10.2013
• ISSN: 1938-5862; 1938-6737
• DOI: 10.1149/05316.0027ecst

In the present work we explore the phosphododecamolybdate heteropolyblue-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles, acting as a new generation electrocatalytic system exhibiting appreciable activity toward reduction of carbon oxide (IV) and reduction of oxygen (after combining with Co-porphyrin). We explore the ability of highly-concentrated Keggin-type phosphomolybdates to attach within the plain gold surfaces to achieve the highly shape-selective synthesis of approximately spherical or anisotropic Au nanostructures of controlled sizes. The tunable concentrations of reducing (and stabilizing) agent H3[H4P(MoV)4(MoVI)8O40] allowed us to produce a wide range of nanostructured gold with specific sizes and shapes. The aim of this work was to study the applicability of phosphomolybdate-protected gold nanoparticles to create microporous matrix for reduction of carbon dioxide and the active support for the Co-porphyrin catalytic centers towards reduction of oxygen. Keggin-type structures-stabilizing gold nanoparticles were expected to provide electrons and mobile protons to the vicinity of Co-porphyrin, while gold nanoparticles were responsible for high electronic conductivity combined with electrocatalytic activity towards CO2 and H2O2 reduction. The hybrid catalyst based on of Co-porphyrin and phosphomolybdate-protected gold nanoparticles led to synergistic effect that was evident from some positive shift of the oxygen reduction voltammetric potentials and significant increase of the voltammetric currents in all case.