Photoelectrochemical analysis and Physical Properties of Novel Polycarboxylic Acid–Transition Metal Composite

The development of stable and efficient photoactive electrodes remains a major challenge in optoelectronic and energy conversion technologies; in this context, we present a novel approach for synthesizing a new metalopolymer electrode with enhanced photocurrent stability and conversion efficiency. A Poly(4-(Pyrrol-1-ylmethyl)benzoic acid) (PMBA) film ,was electrochemically deposited onto the surface of a silicon working electrode (Si) via the electrochemical oxidation of the 4-(pyrrol-1-ylmethyl)benzoic acid monomer in methyl cyanide. The new modified electrode was subsequently immersed in a copper (II) monosulfate solution to form a Cu²⁺ polymer complex. Further oxidation in an aqueous disodium sulfate solution led to the formation of copper particles embedded within the polymer matrix. We systematically investigated the influence of pH, copper concentration, and polymer film thickness on copper incorporation into the Poly(PMBA) film. The electrical characteristics of the composite electrode were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the results were further confirmed by electrical resistivity, EDX and SEM measurements. Furthermore, the newly developed composite photo-anode (Cu doped Poly(PMBA)) exhibited remarkable stability and high photocurrent generation under illumination, demonstrating efficient light-to-electricity conversion and strong potential for advanced optoelectronic and energy applications.