Bifurcation phase studies of Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction containing oxalic acid and acetone as a mixed organic substrate in an open system

Abstract

Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction containing oxalic acid and acetone as a mixed organic substrate catalyzed by Ce(IV) in a flow system has been investigated. The reaction system is analyzed by varying flow rate, inflow concentrations, and temperature. Interchangeable oscillating patterns are observed in a certain range of concentrations, and above or below the condition a steady state is obtained. The increase in temperature increases the frequency and decreases the amplitude of oscillations. The apparent activation energy for the system is calculated by using the Arrhenius equation, which means that temperature has a greater effect on the reaction. Bifurcation phase diagrams for the system show the region of oscillations or steady states along with a small region of multistability. Further the behavioral trend observed in this system is discussed by mechanistic character of the system.