Admittance measurements of adsorption properties of 2,2′-bipyridine complexes: Part I. Cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes in aqueous solutions

The complex Co bipy₃]²⁺ in aqueous perchlorate solution yields on the d.c. polarogramthree adsorption type pre-waves and a main reduction wave at ?1.2 V (SCE) corresponding to the reduction to monovalent complex. From admittance measurements and other results it can be concluded that two most positive pre-waves at ?0.2 V and ?0.5 V (SCE) are of non-faradaic nature being related to the adsorption of the complex with specifically adsorbed anions of the supporting electrolyte with the formation of a compact adsorbed layer of much lower interfacial capacity. The most negative pre-wave at ?0.9 V just preceding the main wave corresponds to the reduction of the adsorbed complex. The main wave at ?1.2 V is distorted by the adsorption of reaction products. Very similar and also strong adsorption-coupled interaction was found with divalent nickel trisbipyridine complex.