Electrocatalysis induced by surface activities on metal oxide anodes

This study covers the preparation and electrochemical characterization of dimensionally stable anodes (DSA®). These electrodes were prepared for the first time using the spin coating technique. Eventually, the mechanisms of the charging/discharging process, the oxygen evolution reaction and the electrochemical oxidation of organics are investigated using electroanalytical measurements such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. The results obtained show that the electrode material participates actively during these processes through surface redox activities. The mechanisms and models proposed have then been used in order to perform a kinetic study of the electrochemical oxidation of organics on DSA®. Kinetic parameters could be determined and theoretical I-V curves could be plotted. The selective oxidation of organics has been studied through electrolysis experiments as well. The results evidence that this type of electrode material is particularly suited for electro-organic synthesis. Research perspectives are proposed for future investigations.