Simultaneous electro-generation/polymerization of Cu nanocluster embedded conductive poly(2,2′:5′,2′′-terthiophene) films at micro and macro liquid/liquid interfaces

Cu nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to be excellent electrocatalysts, particularly for CO(2) reduction – a critical reaction for sequestering anthropogenic, atmospheric carbon. Herein, the micro interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) is exploited for the simultaneous electropolymerization of 2,2′:5′,2′′-terthiophene (TT) and reduction of Cu(2+) to Cu nanoparticles (NPs) generating a flexible electrocatalytic composite electrode material. TT acts as an electron donor in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) through heterogeneous electron transfer across the water|DCE (w|DCE) interface to CuSO(4) dissolved in water. The nanocomposite formation process was probed using cyclic voltammetry as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). CV and EIS data show that the film forms quickly; however, the interfacial reaction is not spontaneous and does not proceed without an applied potential. At high [TT] the heterogeneous electron transfer wave was recorded voltammetrically but not at low [TT]. However, probing the edge of the polarizable potential window was found to be sufficient to initiate electrogeneration/electropolymerization. SEM and TEM were used to image and analyze the final Cu NP/poly-TT composites and it was discovered that there is a concomitant decrease in NP size with increasing [TT]. Preliminary electrocatalysis results at a nanocomposite modified large glassy carbon electrode saw a > 2 × increase in CO(2) reduction currents versus an unmodified electrode. These data suggest that this strategy is a promising means of generating electrocatalytic materials for carbon capture. However, films electrosynthesized at a micro and ~ 1 mm ITIES demonstrated poor reusability.