Electrocatalysis for the reduction of O2 and H2O2 based on complex of copper(II) with the tris(3-aminopropyl)amine and imidazole ligands

The Cu(II) complex of [tris(3-aminopropyl)][imidazole]Cu(II)perchlorate was synthesized. This complex can adsorb on a pyrolytic graphite electrode surface where it functions as an electrocatalyst for the reduction of O2 and H2O2. The electrocatalytic kinetics of both substrate reductions were studied by cyclic voltammetric and rotating disc electrode methods. The catalyst accomplishes the four-electron reduction of O2 to H2O at a significantly greater rate than it catalyses the two-electron reduction of H2O2, so that the latter cannot be an intermediate in the reduction of O2.