Hybrid materials based on organic conjugated polymers and inorganic nanostructures have been at the leading edge of research and development. The intrinsic electroactivity of the monomers can be exploited to in situ electropolymerize them on a nanostructured inorganic semiconductor as the working electrode substrate. In this paper we present two examples of hybrid materials.First the nanoscopic features of PEDOT infiltration and deposition in the TiO2 NTA interstitial voids were monitored by SEM. The hybrid assembly was characterized by UV-Vis-DRS, cyclic voltammetry, and photoelectrochemical measurements. These data serve as a prelude to further use of these hybrids in heterojunction solar cells.Secondly we present the feasibility of electrochemical infiltration of polyaniline into nanoporous WO3. Photoelectrochemical data revealed the complex behavior of the WO3/PANI composite: it exhibits both cathodic (p-type) and anodic (n-type) photoactivity. More interestingly, the cathodic photocurrents related to polyaniline, are 3-4 times larger in the hybrid configuration compared to values obtained for PANI on Au electrode. This enhanced photocurrent may be utilized in the photo-electrocatalyitic reduction of O2 and CO2.

Electrodeposition of conducting polymers on inorganic nanostructure matrices for solar energy applications

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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