Electrochemically driven ion transfer processes from aqueous to organic media are readily observed at electrodes modified with an immobilised water immiscible redox liquid [1]. The transfer of ions occurs at a potential determined by the aqueous concentration and aqueous hydration energy.

In this study anion transfer processes are investigated at a 4-(3-phenylpropyl)pyridine | aqueous electrolyte interface and employing the ferrocenylmethyl-dodecyl-dimethylammonium bromide redox system. Facile and reversible anion transfer is observed and in the case of sulphite anions a two-phase electrocatalytic process leading to sulphate is observed. The new method combines anion selectivity and sensitivity due to catalytic currents.

[1] The electrochemical ion-transfer reactivity of porphyrinato metal complexes in 4- (3-phenylpropyl)pyridine vertical bar water systems. M.J. Bonné, C. Reynolds, S. Yates, G. Shul, J. Niedziolka, M. Opallo, F. Marken, New J. Chem. 30 (2006) 327.