Polyaniline Film as a Metal-free Electrocatalyst for the Anode Reaction of the Direct Ascorbic Acid Fuel Cells

摘要

A polyaniline film was prepared on the electrode surface to employ use it as an electrocatalyst for the anodic reaction of the direct ascorbic acid fuel cells. The activity was evaluated for 1) the effect of the type of dopant anion, 2) the durability of the catalytic action, and 3) the effect of the metal dispersion. The highest electrocatalytic activity was obtained with by the SO_4~2-doped PANI film. The PANI film improved the durability of the catalytic action. The metal dispersion deactivated rather than activated the modified PANI film-modified electrode. The modified PANI film-modified electrode was regarded as a promising anode containing no harmful heavy metals and precious Pt.