ORR

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ORR or Oxygen Reduction Reaction is a chemical reaction that takes place in many forms of chemistry and biology. It is a type of redox reaction where oxygen is reduced, often forming water or hydrogen peroxide. This reaction is crucial in many biological processes, such as cellular respiration, and in technological applications, such as fuel cells.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The ORR is a fundamental process in electrochemistry. It involves the reduction of oxygen molecules (O2) to produce water (H2O) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The reaction can be represented as follows:

O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O

ORR is a key reaction in fuel cells, where it occurs at the cathode. It is also a critical part of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration, where it is the final electron acceptor, producing water.

Role in Cellular Respiration[edit | edit source]

In cellular respiration, the ORR is the final step in the electron transport chain. This process is crucial for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of cells. The ORR in cellular respiration can be represented as follows:

O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O

This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase.

Role in Fuel Cells[edit | edit source]

In fuel cells, the ORR occurs at the cathode and is a critical part of the overall reaction. The ORR in fuel cells can be represented as follows:

O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O

This reaction is facilitated by a catalyst, often platinum or a platinum alloy.

See Also[edit | edit source]

ORR Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD