REDUCTION OF CARBON-DIOXIDE ON A MERCURY-ELECTRODE

The absolute values of the rate constants of the electrode reactions of the intermediate particle in the electrochemical reduction of CO//2 on a mercury electrode were measured by the method of laser photoelectronic emission. The isotope effect and the pH dependences of the rate constants show that the intermediate particle is an adsorbed CO//2** minus radical anion, the degree of coverage of the surface of a mercury electrode by which, in the region from minus 1. 0 to minus 1. 7 v (saturated calomel electrode), does not exceed 10** minus **5.