Electrochemical methods polymer-immobilized nanoparticle preparation

E. Electrochemical Methods for Preparing Polymer-Immobilized Nanoparticles... 

Reduction is the most common technique to prepare polymer-immobilized nanoparticles. Two different types of reduction can be considered. The first type, or the impregnation method, consists of the chemical reduction of metals from solutions or suspensions of their salts. Ammoniacal solutions of Cu, Cr, and Ag hydroxides are often used. Electrochemical or radiation-induced reduction in the presence of macroligands have also been employed. The reduction of mononuclear metal complexes chemically bound with polymers represent the second type. The impregnation method is more widely applied because it better meets the needs of catalysis. In particular, metal blacks, ultradispersed powders, etc. are prepared. For example, Raney nickel is stabilized by incorporating it into the silicone rubber "" followed by vulcanization at room temperature. 

The electrochemical and electroflotation methods are widely used to prepare of chemisorbed macromolecules bound to colloidal metal particles generated in situ. Electrochemical polymerization reactions are heterogeneous They are initiated on the electrode surface, while other stages (chain growth or termination) occm, as a rule, in the liquid phase. The yield of a polymer depends on the chemical and physical nature of the electrodes and their surface, electrode overvoltage, potential rmder which the reaction occurs, and electrical current density. The nature of the electrode material (metals or alloys, thin metallic coats, etc.) determines the characteristics of electron-transfer initiation and polymerization. Direct electron transfer between the electrode and monomer, cathodic deposition, and anodic solubilization of metals are optimum for electrochemical polymerization. Metal salts are the precursors of nanoparticles, which may act as specific electrochemical activators. Nanoparticles can influence activations through direct chemical binding to the monomer and by virtue of transfer, decomposition, or catalytic effects. Nonetheless, electrochemical polymerization has found only limited use in the preparation of polymer-immobilized nanoparticles. 

Other modifications of this method for the preparation of nanoparticles in polymers have been reported. In one modification, catalysts containing highly dispersed transition metals particles immobilized in films were obtained by the electrolytic oxidative polymerization. A monomer derived from mercaptohydroquinone was electropolymerized in the presence of platimun group metals. These metals were incorporated by electrochemical deposition. ... 

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