Abstract:

Polypyrrole (PPy) films were synthesized by a potentiostatic method from a para-toluenesulfonic sodium solution on stainless steel (SS). The effect on Cu(II) reduction of the PPy-modified film was investigated through potentiostatic and potentiodynamic conditions and compared with that of SS.A higher removal efficiency was achieved on PPy because of its catalytic effect. The current efficiency obtained with the PPy film is much higher than that of SS because PPy inhibits the effect of hydrogen evolution and this is the greatest advantage for using PPy to remove heavy metals. Cyclic voltammetry of PPy-modified electrodes in acidified Cu(II) solutions was conducted and the mechanism of PPy for Cu(II) reduction was discussed.

Key words: Polypyrrole, Reduction, Catalysis, Cu(II)