Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Nitrophenols via Ag Nanoparticles Supported on Citric-Acid-Modified Polyaniline

Citric-acid-modified polyaniline (P-CA) and P-CA modified with Ag nanoparticles (Ag@P-CA) were prepared via an in situ reduction method. The physicochemical properties of Ag@P-CA compared to unmodified (PANI) PANI-modified (Ag@PANI). had a lower content aniline oligomers Ag@PANI. greater monolayer adsorption capacity for 2-nitrophenol binding affinity as PANI Ag@PANI materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy cyclic voltammetry characterization provided reason evidence the higher conductivity citric-acid-modified materials (P-CA versus Ag@PANI). These results showed potential utility optimization adsorption/desorption electron transfer steps during electrochemical oxidation nitrophenols. process employs electrocatalyst by modifying citric acid, which was successfully employed oxidize 4-nitrophenol comparable selectivity sensitivity their relative concentrations. This work is envisaged contribute significantly selective conversion nitrophenols electrocatalytic remediation such waterborne contaminants.