Structure and Electrocatalytic Activity of Aniline–formaldehyde Polymer Doped with Copper(II) Chloride

Copper-containing composites ofaniline-formaldehyde polymer (AFP) are prepared by introduction of CuCl2 in situ of polycondensation of aniline with formaldehyde and by the impregnating method. Theinfluence of synthesis conditions on phase structure, copper content and electrocatalytic activity of the composites is investigated. The presence of copper oxides (CuO, Cu2O) and 2CuCl2⋅5Cu(OH)2⋅H2O complex compoundis determinedby XRD analysis in composites obtained by the first and second method, respectively. AFP + CuCl2 composites are tested on electrocatalytic activity in electrohydrogenation of o-nitroaniline. It is shown that composites prepared by the impregnating method possess higher activity as electrocatalysts in this process.