Analysis of the electrode kinetics of Ni(II) reduction at the DME in the presence of nicotine

Abstract

A study of the prewave of the Ni2+- nicotine system was carried out under the experimental conditions when the influence of electroreduction of nicotine is negligible. The kinetics of Ni(II) reduction in nicotine media on the dropping mercury electrode were studied by direct current Tast polarography (DCTP) via the determination of the Koutecky's parameter, χ and the influence of different variables was analyzed. An electrochemical study of the prewave was also made by using various polarographic techniques. Values of χ depend on the nicotine concentration, pH, ionic strength (ψ-effect), and on the nature of the supporting electrolyte. The αn product (χ = transfer coefficient, n = number of electrons) and the stoichometric number,v, were determined. The prewave is interpreted as a surface reaction, the main features of the mechanism being its catalytic nature. The discharge is a two electron step and reaction between species of opposite charge is rate-determining.Key words: catalytic, prewave, polarography, nickel(II), nicotine.