Electrocatalytic O2 Reduction at a Bio-inspired Mononuclear Copper Phenolato Complex Immobilized on a Carbon Nanotube Electrode

An original copper-phenolate complex, mimicking the active center of galactose oxidase, featuring a pyrene group was synthesized. Supramolecular pi-stacking allows its efficient and soft immobilization at the surface of a Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) electrode. This MWCNT-supported galactose oxidase model exhibits a 4H(+)/4e(-) electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction at a redox potential of 0.60 V vs. RHE at pH 5.