Analysis of reaction–diffusion waves in the ferroin-catalysed Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction

Abstract

The Oregonator model is used to analyse reaction–diffusion waves in the ferroin-catalysed Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction. The value of the effective rate constant of ferriin reduction k_J is determined from experimental wave profiles of the oxidised catalyst obtained from solutions open to air, nitrogen or sealed with a perspex lid. The value of k_J is found to be lower in systems affected by O₂. The dependence of the wave speed c on the concentration of ferriin in the wave profiles is analysed. An alternative method for the determination of k_J from a relationship between the period of target initiation T and [Fe(III)] is presented. The effect of these results on the ‘universal dispersion relation’ is also discussed.