Electrodeposition of platinum and palladium particles into base-hydrolyzed cellulose acetate films. Electrocatalytic/permselective surface microstructures

Abstract

The behavior and advantages of new surface coatings, prepared by electrodeposition of platinum and palladium microparticles into base-hydrolyzed cellulose acetate (CA) films on glassy carbon electrodes, are described. The multifunctional character of these microstructures arises from the coupling of the permselective properties of CA with the catalytic power of dispersed metal particles. Control of the film porosity, via base hydrolysis, affects the size and distribution of the metal particles, and hence offers tailoring of the catalytic response. In particular, access to the catalytic sites (based on solute size) is manipulated via change of the hydrolysis time. Various experimental variables affecting the catalytic and transport properties are explored using different techniques. Scanning electron microscopy offers useful insights into the distribution of the metal microparticles within the CA matrix. Amperometric detection for flow injection and liquid chromatography systems is greatly improved by the multifunctional character of the metal/CA coatings.