Conducting polymer-based nanostructurized materials: electrochemical aspects

New modern technologies require new materials. During the past decade, the movement towards nanodimensions in many areas of technology aroused a huge interest in nanostructurized materials. The present article reviews recent works dealing with electrochemistry-related aspects of nanostructurized conducting polymers. Electrochemical synthesis and some properties of nanostructurized conducting polymers, and nanocomposites derived from conducting polymers and metals, carbon, and inorganic and organic materials are considered. Some potential areas for electrochemistry-related applications of nanocomposites are highlighted, including batteries, supercapacitors, energy conversion systems, corrosion protection, and sensors.

Preparation and electrochemical characterization of Pt nanoparticles dispersed on niobium oxide

Electrodes consisting of Pt nanoparticles dispersed on thin films of niobium oxide were prepared onto titanium substrates by a sol-gel method. The physical characterization of these electrodes was carried out by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The mean size of the Pt particles was found to be 10.7 nm. The general aspects of the electrochemical behavior were studied by cyclic voltammetry in 1 mol L-1 HClO4 aqueous solution. The response of these electrodes in relation to the oxidation of formaldehyde and methanol in acidic media was also studied.