Molecular structure effects in electrocatalysis—I. Oxidation of polyols (C2C6) on Pt and Au electrodes

The electrocatalytic oxidation of linear polyols C2C6 has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry on Pt and Au electrodes. The experiments were carried out at various concentrations, sweep rates and at several working temperatures. Peak current densities depend on the number of OH groups and on their steric arrangement. The influence of the molecular structure (length of the chain, position of OH groups) on the adsorption and the electrooxidation of polyols on Pt and Au electrodes is comparatively examined.