The CO ---> CO2 conversion is kinetically limited. To lower the activation
energy one requires a catalyst. As was suggested, wrapping with platinum
wire helps. The easiest and least expensive is to use platinic chloride
(PtCl6, liq). The graphite electrode is submerged in the PtCl6 for a period
of time, at least over night. In practice, one or two may be continually
left in the solution. The electrode is then flamed with a torch which
quantitatively drives off the Cl and leaves behind a fine meshed platinum
surface. The advantage is that 1) the graphite electrode has a very high
surface area of Pt which is most effective as a catalytic agent 2) it is
clean 3) it is highly effective. The rate of conversion to CO2 is nearly
100% and is rapid, nearly instantaneous.
                M. Thiemens


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Professor Mark H. Thiemens
Chairman
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 0356
University of California San Diego
La Jolla, Ca
92093-0356

telephone: 619 534 5489
FAX: 619 822 0389
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