Oxidation studies involving silver electrodes

The kinetics of the electrochemical oxidation of silver in alkali have been studied. The oxidation of silver to Ag2O at low coverage (of Ag2O) is charge transfer controlled being second order w.r.t. silver. Adsorption of OH- is indicated. The oxidation to AgO is controlled by a classical electrocrystallisation process. The oxidation of organic compounds at silver oxide electrodes are also discussed. The electrode shows very strong catalytic activity in the oxidation of amines. Primary amines react by either of two overall oxidation paths, each of which can be chosen by suitable adjustment of the electrochemical parameters. The oxidation mechanisms for aliphatic amines and alcohols are discussed.