Application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for characterisation of the reduction of benzophenone in acetonitrile solutions

In this study, the reduction of benzophenone (Bzph) Ph₂C=O (Ph: phenyl group) on glassy-carbon electrode was studied in acetonitrile by means of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Bzph undergoes two one-electron reductions. The first reduction leads to the formation of radical anion [Ph₂·–O]^? and appears to be reversible and diffusion controlled. The second reduction results in the generation of benzhydrol dianion [Ph₂C–O]^2? and seems to be irreversible. A third quasi-reversible wave observable at more anodic potentials can be ascribed to benzhydrol free radical [Ph₂CH–O] and benzydrol anion [Ph₂CH–O]^? redox couple. The EIS spectra demonstrate that the first reversible reduction of Bzph is characterised by the lowest charge transfer resistance while the resistance for the irreversible reduction is significantly greater. The electrochemical behaviour of Bzph on film consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes seems to be different. Thus, the findings reveal slower electrode kinetics which can be associated with electrode passivation.