ELECTRO-OXIDATION OF ACETATE ON PLATINUM AT LOW POTENTIALS

The steady-state electrochemical oxidation of acetate has been observed on smooth and platinized platinum at potentials corresponding, to an oxide-free surface. Carbon dioxide is the only reaction product. It is suggested that the first electron transfer is rate-determining and takes place after a reversible adsorption of acetate. The oxidation rate is pH-dependent, reaching a maximum at pH 6, and these phenomena can be explained in terms of a greater adsorption of acetate ion over the undissociated acid, together with a competitive adsorption of carbonate ion, on the electrode surface. © 1968.