Poly(Dimethylbenzimidazolium) Iodide Assisted Dispersion of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Palladium Nanoparticle Hybrid

Abstract

The multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have always been as the catalyst supporting materials, but for high-performance composite catalysts, the dispersion and functionalization of MWNTs are important challenging problems. In this paper, Electrocatalytically active palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on MWNTs with the high-performance and excellent solubility polymer, poly(dimethylbenzimidazolium) iodide (P(DMBI)-I−) as modifier and glue was first discussed. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrate a better dispersion of MWNTs with the assist of P(DMBI)-I−. The Raman spectra indicate a strong π-π interaction between MWNTs and P(DMBI)-I−. Taking advantages of the coordination effect of imidazole groups and the electrostatic attraction to Pd NPs, the prepared Pd/MWNTs-P(DMBI)-I−(Pd/MPDI−) hybrid is of well electrocatalytic activity to the ethanol fuel cells by electrochemical measurements. So it is believed that P(DMBI)-I− can be further applied in the dispersion of different carbon-based materials and metal nanoparticles for fabricating more novel composites for catalyst and electrode material.