Arsenate stabilized Cu2O nanoparticle catalyst for one-electron transfer reversible reaction

Abstract

The befitting capping capabilities of AsO₄³⁻ provide a stable Cu₂O nanocatalyst from a galvanic reaction between a Cu(II) precursor salt and As(0) nanoparticles. This stable Cu₂O hydrosol appears to be a suitable catalyst for the one-electron transfer reversible redox reaction between Eosin Y and NaBH_4. The progress of the reaction relates to three different kinetic stages. In the presence of the new catalyst the reversible redox reaction of Eosin Y in air shows a periodic color change providing a new crowd-pleasing demonstration, i.e. a “clock reaction”.