ELECTROCATALYSIS IN ANODIC-OXIDATION OF ORGANICS WITH SIMULTANEOUS OXYGEN EVOLUTION

The electrochemical oxidation (or combustion) of organics with simulta neous oxygen evolution has been investigated using different electrode materials (Pt, Ti/IrO2, Ti/SnO2). A simplified mechanism for the elec trochemical oxidation of organics is presented, according to which sel ective oxidation occurs with oxide anodes (MO(X)) for wh,ich the forma tion of higher oxides (e.g.: MO(X+1)) is possible. Combustion occurs a t electrodes at the surface of which . OH radicals can be accumulated. Detection of . OH radicals formed by water discharge at different ano des using N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline (RNO) as a spin trap and prepa rative electrolysis confirmed the proposed mechanism.