Interface synthesis, assembly and characterization of close-packed monolayer of prussian blue/polypyrrole...

The self-assembly of nanomaterials into ordered two- or three-dimensional structures has been extensively explored over the past years due to the great application potential. This paper reports a simple one-step methodology for the synthesis and assembly of Prussian blue/polypyrrole (PBPPy) nanocomposites into close-packed monolayer at a toluene-water interface where the formation of PBPPy and evaporation of organic phase happen simultaneously. The formed films could be easily transferred onto the glass carbon surface by layer-by-layer technique. The obtained PBPPy nanocomposites and their assembled film were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The PBPPy nanocomposite film on the electrode surface exhibits excellent electron transfer and high electrocatalysis toward the reduction of H2O2. Herein, PPy component in PBPPy nanocomposites plays a great role in this great electrochemical performance. On the one hand, the presence of PPy is helpful of the formation of close-packed monolayer of PBPPy nanocomposites, and the adhesion of the ordered monolayer or multilayer onto the electrode surface due to the molecular interaction of PPy or the surface group of electrode. On the other hand, the conductive PPy facilitates the electron transfer between PB and PB or PB and electrode. The suggested method can be extended to a wide range of nanomaterials assembly and devise development.