Synthesis of nanocomposite based on conducting polymer and gold particles as catalyst for HER

Abstract

As the pace of industrialization accelerates, catalysis is the key to make “miracle happened” by using chemical to activate or speed up the chain reaction. Intrinsically, catalyst is a way to save energy, lessen harmful by-products. A good example is Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), catalyst is the backbone unlocking the efficacy of Hydrogen (H2) production - our future energy source. In applied chemistry, reality shapes differently, understanding the background theory is the first step; then designing potential catalysts require trials, time, and effort. Occasionally, one reaction can work with several catalysts, depend on the availability and compatibility at the time. The work discussed in this thesis revolved around the utilization of Polymer characterization in modeling fine structure mold for catalyst synthesize.

The experiment conducted on polystyrene (PS) spherical-shape particles to create sacrificial nano molds, given that their superior characteristic like ease of fabrication, simple materials, and the ability to control size. PS was synthesized from styrene monomer through polymerization process. Research of PS sphere synthesis by emulsion has successfully created PS particle with diameter of 150nm. The FTIR and DSL examination results show the high uniformity of PS nanoparticles. The 2D structural nanomaterials then successfully created hollow Au thin film layered structures, this Au layer has shown the ability to catalyze HER reaction, completely different from the Au layer without pores. The catalytic current density reaches 0.23 mA/cm2 at a voltage of -0.4V (vs Ag/AgCl). The collected result has opened new research directions when combining hollow materials with nano materials that catalyze the HER reaction, the OER oxygenation reaction, or the oxidation - reduction of organic substances.