Layer-by-layer assembled multilayers were fabricated via electrostatic assembly of polyethylenimine- capped gold nanoparticles (PEI- capped Au NPs) and the conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(p-styrenesulfonate) [(PEDOT:PSS)<sup>−</sup>Na<sup>+</sup>]. The multilayer films were characterized by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrocatalytic role of these conductive multilayers is evaluated and includes an investigation into the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) and 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (2-HBA). Preliminary work for CO electrooxidation revealed the presence of an anodic current associated with the CO oxidation half reaction. Studies include assessing the current density of the anodic peak from CO electrooxidation as a function of multilayer structure such as gold content and bilayer number. In preliminary electrocatalytic work, the oxidation of 2-HBA produced a polymeric film on the surface of electrode. This film is insoluble in water and in most organic solvents and is hypothesized to be a polyphenylene oxide (PPO) derivative. Electrochemical conditions are evaluated and related to the molecular structure of the PPO film as determined by infrared spectroscopy. The role of the PEI-capped Au NPs in the nucleation and growth of the polymeric film relative to blank electrodes will be discussed.

Layer-by-layer assembly and catalysis from polymer-capped Au nanoparticles

251st National Meeting (2016)

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