Evaluating polyanthranilic acid as a polymeric template for the production of Prussian blue nanoclusters

Abstract

The electropolymerization of anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid) has been shown to lead to the production of a redox polymer functionalized with carboxylate groups capable of complexing metal ions. The polymer was exploited as a means of capturing ferric ion from solution with the iron decorated polymer chains used as seeding points for the formation of Prussian blue (PB). Nanoclusters of PB were dispersed throughout the three-dimensional polymer matrix with deposition achieved through direct electrochemical means or via a dip process. The latter exploited the chemical combination of Fe(III) + Ferrocyanide to yield PB allowing its dispersal of the PB throughout the polymer film. The polymer film and its subsequent modification have been characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray analysis, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis. The stability toward peroxide has also been explored.