The hydrophobic effect in electrochemical processes at the Nafion film-modified electrodes

The data that give evidence of the dicarbollyl iron anion, (Cb2Fe)(-), absorption and retention by a Nafion film are reported. This phenomenon is shown to be related to hydrophobicity of both the film and the anion. Two possible pathways for the (Cb2Fe)(-) reduction from its solutions, namely via hydrophilic channels and in the hydrophobic region, which are characterized by different potentials of the redox reaction, are discussed. The probability of the electronic exchange between these redox systems is considered.