CATALYTIC-OXIDATION OF METHANOL ON A GLASSY-CARBON ELECTRODE ELECTROCHEMICALLY MODIFIED BY A CONDUCTIVE NI-II-CURCUMIN FILM

This work focuses on the electrochemical synthesis and characterizatio n of a conductive polymeric nickel-curcumin film and its application f or electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline solutions. It ha s been found that a glassy carbon electrode modified by this film acts as a very effective catalyst for oxidation of alcohols. Electropolyme rization of the nickel-curcumin complex and oxidation of methanol have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The described modified electrode provides a durable catalytic surface which allows the voltammetric oxi dation of methanol: in 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte the resulting anodic pea k is at 0.59 V (vs. SCE). Electrooxidation was not possible at bare gl assy carbon electrodes, at least before the onset of the electrolyte d ecomposition. The mechanism of modifying the film formation has been d iscussed.