In-situ XAS of a Pt anode for Kolbe electro-oxidation of carboxylic acids to alkanes

We plan to investigate by in situ XAS the surface of a Pt anode during the Kolbe electro-oxidation of aqueous carboxylic acids. Under reaction conditions, the Pt surface is conditioned, and develops a “barrier layer” which provides high selectivity towards alkanes, while the undesired water oxidation reaction to oxygen in suppressed. We propose to use in situ XAS to investigate (i) the formation and composition of the barrier layer and (ii) the surface structure of the Pt electrode during the Kolbe oxidation of aqueous carboxylic acids. This information, yet unknown to date, is crucial to improve the process selectivity and to develop alternative electrodes composed of earth abundant non-noble materials.