Copper complex containing N-acylhydrazone as catalyst in ethanol electro-oxidation reaction

Abstract

Abstract This study discusses the synthesis and characterization of a novel copper complex, whose molecular structure was previously determined through various analytical techniques such as FTIR, elemental analysis (CHN), and 1H NMR. Further analysis involving geometry, vibrational frequencies, and electron excitations was conducted using density functional theory (BP86/Def2-TZVPP/D3BJ method). The Cu(MFMH)2Cl2 complex exhibits three absorption bands at 420 nm, associated with π → π* transitions (between ligands); at 477 nm, linked to σ* → π transitions (involving donation from the metallic center to ligands) and π → σ* transitions (involving retro-donation from ligands to the metallic center); and at 514 nm, associated with σ* → π transitions (involving donation from the metallic center to ligands). Additionally, the use of Cu(MFMH)2Cl2 as a catalyst for the ethanol oxidation reaction in acidic conditions was investigated through cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results show that the peak-current density for the Cu-CPE 30% (p/p) catalyst (complex/graphite) was higher compared to other CPEs.