Electrocatalysis in anodic oxidation of organics with simultaneous oxygen evolution

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation (or combustion) of organics with simultaneous oxygen evolution has been investigated using different electrode materials (Pt, Ti/IrO2, Ti/SnO2). A simplified mechanism for the electrochemical oxidation of organics is presented, according to which selective oxidation occurs with oxide anodes (MOx) for which the formation of higher oxides (e.g.: MOx+1) is possible. Combustion occurs at electrodes at the surface of which ˙OH radicals can be accumulated. Detection of ˙OH radicals formed by water discharge at different anodes using N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline (RNO) as a spin trap and preparative electrolysis confirmed the proposed mechanism.