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

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 1 H NMR. Further analysis involving geometry, vibrational frequencies, and electron excitations was conducted using density functional theory (BP86/Def2-TZVPP/D3BJ method). The Cu(MFMH) 2 Cl 2 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) 2 Cl 2 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.