Study of Self Oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky Systems Under the Perturbation of External EMF

Abstract

An examination of the current and potential oscillations in the self oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky system under the application of external EMF is presented for the first time. The system involves Mn(II) as the metal ion catalyst and malic acid/citric acid/malonic acid as the substrate. External EMF shifts the oscillatory profile to the higher potential range by the magnitude of applied EMF. The amplitude of current oscillations increases with the magnitude of external EMF. The behaviour of the system with and without a complexing agent (tetrasodium pyrophosphate) is rationalised in terms of individual steps involved in the overall reaction.