Copper(II) Schiff Base Complex with Electrocatalytic Activity Towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Its Catalase Activity

The fuel cell is a continuously operating, low environmental impact, highly energy-efficient electrochemical device that has been cited as a clean energy source to replace fossil fuels. However, noble metals, such as platinum, are used as electrocatalysts to improve reaction kinetics, which raises the cost of this renewable energy source. This work aimed to evaluate a graphite paste electrode, modified with a copper(II) coordination compound containing N,O-donor groups, as an electrocatalyst in oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and its catalase-like activity. Through electrochemical analyses, such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, the modified electrode activity was investigated at different pH values and scan rates. Catalase activity was also investigated at different pH values in order to establish which would be the most active. The modified electrode proved to be a promising electrocatalyst in ORR in alkaline medium, and the copper(II) complex actively degraded hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions, which can help to increase the lifetime of the fuel cell device. Graphical Abstract Copper(II) complex with electrocatalytic activity in the ORR and catalase-like