Abstract
The presence of a polyethylene film at the surface of a platinum electrode has been established, during the anodic oxidation of aqueous acetate solutions, by means of a new method of investigation of polarized metallic surfaces: polaromicrotribometry. Analysis of the gaseous reaction products and a classical electrochemical study (current/potential curves, galvanostatic discharging transients) carried out at the same time, have shown that this hydrophobic film is formed at the critical potential of 2·04 V(sce), where the Kolbe reaction starts, and that it is adsorbed on the platinum through a monolayer of oxygen. This film, we suggest, is responsible for the inhibition of oxygen formation and controls the diffusion of electro-active species towards the electrode and thereby controls the kinetics of the Kolbe reaction.
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