Electrocatalysis of Anodic Oxygen Transfer Reactions: Oxidation of Cyanide at Electrodeposited Copper Oxide Electrodes in Alkaline Media

Films of copper oxide were readily deposited electrochemically on conductive surfaces from alkaline solutions containing copper (I, II) cyanide. The resulting electrodes showed catalytic activity for the anodic oxidation of CN⁻ to CNO⁻ in alkaline media. The half‐wave potential was pH dependent, indicating the involvement of OH⁻ in the reaction mechanism. Electrocatalysis was concluded to occur by oxygen transfer mediation facilitated by formation of Cu^IIIsites in the surface. The deposited films were only loosely adherent to the substrates and were susceptible to chemical dissolution in the presence of excessively high CN⁻ concentrations over a long time period (ca. 30 min).