Acceleration of electrocatalytic reactions by pulsation of potential: Oxidation of formic acid on Pt and Pt/Pbads electrodes

Pulsating potential electrolysis has been applied to one typical electrocatalytic reaction ie, the oxidation of formic acid on platinum and platinum partially covered by lead adatoms electrodes. It has been found that much higher average cds can be obtained with such regimes than in constant potential electrolysis. The effect can be of considerable interest for the application in electrochemical power sources. An analysis of the mechanism of effects of pulsating potentials has been given. A calculated frequency dependence of the average current density is in agreement with experimental one for both electrodes.