Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Developing Photosensitizer-Cobaloxime Hybrids for Solar-Driven H2 Production in Aqueous Aerobic Conditions
Published on: October 5, 2019
Catalytic disproportionation of the superoxide intermediate from electrochemical O2 reduction in nonaqueous
Dong Zheng1, Qiang Wang, Hung-Sui Lee
1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USA.
Abstract:
Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (TPFPB) was found to be an efficient catalyst for rapid superoxide (O2(-)) disproportionation. The kinetics for the catalytic disproportionation reaction is much faster than the reaction between O2(-) and propylene carbonate. Therefore, the negative impact of the reaction between the electrolyte and O2(-) produced by the O2 reduction is minimized. The cathodic current for O2 reduction can be doubled in the presence of TPFPB. The high reduction current resulted from the pseudo two-electron O2-reduction reaction due to the replenishment of O2 at the electrode surface. This discovery could lead to a new avenue for the development of high-capacity, high-rate, rechargeable Li-air batteries.
Related Concept Videos
Catalysis
Catalysis
Oxidation of Alkenes: Anti Dihydroxylation with Peroxy Acids
Oxidation and Reduction of Organic Molecules
The removal of an electron from a molecule, results in a...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
Electrolysis

