In situ generation of a high-performance Pd-polypyrrole composite with multi-functional catalytic properties.

We report on a bottom up approach for the synthesis of a Pd-polypyrrole nanocomposite material. The composite material was characterized by means of different techniques, such as UV-vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, which offered information about the chemical structure of the polymer, whereas electron microscopy images provided information regarding the morphology of the composite material and the distribution of the metal particles in the polymer matrix. During the synthesis of the nanocomposite, the Pd nanoparticles act as a catalyst for a model proton-coupled electron transfer reaction. The Pd-polypyrrole nanocomposite material was also used as a catalyst for the electro-catalytic detection of tryptophan, a precursor for some neurotransmitters.