Electrochemical properties of composite films based on poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene with inclusions of metallic palladium

The electrochemical behavior of composite Pd-PEDOT films is studied. These films are obtained by chemical deposition of Pd particles in the polymeric matrix of PEDOT (poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). Characteristics of the films are determined by means of cyclic voltammetry, faradaic impedance, microgravimetry, and energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis. Impedance spectra of composite Pd-PEDOT films, compared to the original PEDOT film, reveal a new response at potentials of −0.3 and −0.4 V in the form of a distinct semicircle, which results from processes in the electrochemical sorption-desorption of hydrogen. Weight gain during the chemical deposition of palladium in the polymer structure is estimated by mircrogravimetry. It is shown that the mass of palladium loaded in the film depends on the time of synthesis and the initial concentration of palladium ions in solution. The size of the actual surface and the average radius of dispersed palladium particles in the film are also estimated.