A Model of a Two-step Three-electron Surface Redox Reaction

Abstract

A theory of a two-step surface redox mechanism, involving both single-electron and two-electron transfers, is developed for cyclic voltammetry. It is assumed that the first step is kinetically controlled, while the second one is reversible. Depending on the difference in standard potentials, three types of responses appear as functions of the kinetic parameters. Calculation of the transfer coefficients and the standard rate constant is explained.

Keywords

• two-step electron transfers
• surface-confined electrode reaction
• cyclic voltammetry
• successive electrode reactions
• theoretical model