The effect of the double layer on the rate of the Fe3+/Fe2+ reaction on a platinum electrode and the contemporary electron transfer theory

The kinetics of the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ reaction on a Pt rotating disc electrode was studied in solutions of 0.5 M H₂SO₄ and 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ (pH 2.2). Taking into account formation of sulphate complexes the conclusion was made that the main contribution to the reaction rate is due to FeSO₄⁺ and FeSO₄ complexes. Extended Tafel plots obtained by Randles analysis from experimental current-voltage curves were corrected for the ₂ potential. The latter was evaluated according to the Gouy-Chapman theory by using the surface charge density values deduced from thermodynamic theory and measurements of other authors. Tafel plots were approximated by parabolas and the reorganization energy was calculated as 33 kJ mol^?1 and 51 kJ mol^?1 for Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ in H₂SO₄ and Na₂SO₄, respectively. The comparison of these values with theoretically predicted ones was made. From the magnitude of the pre-exponential factor of the true rate constant it was concluded that the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ electron transfer reaction is non-adiabatic in nature.