A study of the oxidation of formaldehyde on Au(332) by rotating disc-ring method

Abstract

The oxidation of formaldehyde on gold has been studied by a rotating disc-ring method. Hydrogen evolved on the disc was possible to detect on the Pt ring electrode. The reaction scheme was proposed, and expressions for the disc and the ring current were evaluated. Experimental results fit well diagnostic criteria for a series scheme of the oxidation of formaldehyde. The partial currents associated with the oxidation of formaldehyde to formate and hydrogen to water have been calculated. The results illustrate the possibility of using the disc-ring method in elucidation of the mechanisms of oxidation of small organic molecules when a proper selection of the ring electrode and its potential is made.