Electro-oxidation of ascorbic acid catalyzed on cobalt hydroxide-modified glassy carbon electrode

The electrochemical behavior of ascorbic acid on a cobalt hydroxide modified glassy carbon (CHM-GC) electrode in alkaline solution was investigated. The process of the involved oxidation and its kinetics were established using the cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry techniques, as well as by steady state polarization measurements. The results revealed that cobalt hydroxide promotes the rate of oxidation by increasing the peak current; hence ascorbic acid is oxidized at lower potentials, which is thermodynamically more favorable. The cyclic voltammograms and chronoamperometry indicate a catalytic EC mechanism is operative with the electrogeneration of Co(IV) as the electrochemical process. Also, the process is diffusion-controlled and the current-time responses follow Cottrellian behavior. This result was confirmed by steady state measurements. The rate constants of the catalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid and the electron-transfer coefficient are reported.