Synthesis, characterization of heterodinuclear Co-Cu complex and its electrocatalytic activity towards O2 reduction: Implications for cytochrome c oxidase active site modeling

A new dinucleating ligand consisting of a tetraphenylporphyrin derivative covalently linked with tris(2‐benzimidazylmethyl)‐amine and its homodinuclear Co‐Co and heterodinuclear Co‐Cu complexes were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The heterobimetallic cobalt‐copper complex bearing three benzimidazole ligands for copper, as cytochrome c oxidase active site model, was applied to the surface of glassy carbon electrode to show electrocatalytic activity for O2 reduction in aqueous solution at an acidity level close to physiological pH value. The kinetic parameters of this electrocatalytic process were obtained.