ELECTROLYTIC REDUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE AT MERCURY ELECTRODE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION.

Abstract

Relationships between electrode behavior and solution properties, some of which have been qualitatively described in previous papers, are quantitatively clarified. The electrode potential E//c for constant i//c (0. 5 mA/cm**2) remains constant irrespective of pH and anions in the pH region of 2. 4 to 7. 8, whereas the potential E//h for constant i//h(0. 5 mA/cm**2) varies linearly with a slope of 125 mV/pH. The results verify H. Eyring et al. 's presumption that in a relatively high overvoltage region (region 2) the cathodic reduction of CO//2 at Hg proceeds with the charge transfer to CO//2 as the rate determining step.