Synthesis and characterization of poly-(allylbenzene p-sulphonate) films incorporating electrolessly deposited Ni–P

The preparation of a novel electrode material is described. The ionic exchange properties of polymer films electrochemically prepared from the allyl ether of the p-benzenessulphonic acid monomer were explored with an incorporated ion of metallic crystallites in the polymeric matrix. The autocatalytic activity of the pristine and modified polymer for the electroless deposition of Ni–P from a hypophosphite containing solution was analyzed and conditions for the use of the deposition method to modify the nature and the size of the metal particles established. The performance of typical electrodes prepared by this route, e.g., polymer/Cu/Ni–P, towards the proton reduction reaction in buffer solution, when contrasted to polymer/Ni, revealed promising electrocatalytic activity. This behaviour, along with the simplicity of the preparation route makes these modified electrodes strong candidates to replace other systems for electrohydrogenation purposes.