Electrocatalytic activity of Pt and Ru photodeposited polyaniline electrodes for methanol oxidation

Photochemical deposition of Pt, Ru or both on polyaniline and their electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation were investigated. The deposition quantity was easily controlled since it was proportional to light irradiation time. The highest activity, i.e., the largest anodic current density and the most negative onset potential, of the metal deposited polyaniline electrode were obtained by adjusting Pt/Ru deposition ratio appropriately. From a TEM image, the photodeposited metal particle size was determined to be 1-2 nm. The bifunctional roles of the polyaniline, as a photocatalyst and an electron conductor, are also discussed.