Electrochemistry in true reverse micelles

In this communication we demonstrate for the first time the electrochemistr y of a simple redox couple Fe(CN)(6)(4/3-) in a true reverse micellar syste m (i.e. not a microemulsion). The reverse micelles were formed from aerosol -OT (AOT = sodium bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate) in isooctane with a [H2O] /[AOT] ratio (W) of 10 using the phase transfer technique in the absence of supporting electrolyte. Ferricyanide was introduced by dissolving in the a queous phase prior to mixing with the AOT-containing isooctane phase. The r eduction of Fe(CN)(6)(3-) within the reverse micellar environment was carri ed out at a carbon fibre microelectrode using a two-electrode assembly with a porous-polymer-coated silver wire acting as the pseudo-reference electro de. Nernstian electrochemical responses were observed and the limiting curr ents were well defined from which micellar diffusion coefficients could be obtained. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.