“One-pot” synthesis,characterization, and NH3 sensing of Pd/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite

In this letter, we report a novel route to prepare stable Pd/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (Pd/PEDOT:PSS) colloid. With addition of PSS, the Pd/PEDOT:PSS aqueous dispersion was formed by simultaneous oxidation–reduction reaction between Pd(NO₃)₂ and ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) at room temperature. The morphologies of the Pd/PEDOT and Pd/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscope. The Pd nanoparticles in the composites were identified with X-ray powder diffraction and UV/vis/NIR spectrum. The chemical structures of PEDOT were studied using FTIR spectra and UV/vis/NIR spectra. The results confirmed the formation of oxidized PEDOT polymer. The sensing property of the Pd/PEDOT:PSS thin film to the NH₃ vapor was investigated.