Abstract: The precipitation or deposition of particles from a solution in a cell (61) which an electric field is applied between an anode (65,67,68) and a cathode (66), typically an electrolysis cell for the co-precipitation of mixed oxides but also cells for electrodeposition or the electrophoretic deposition of colloidal particles, is controlled by measuring the pH of the solution in the cell using a probe (72) shielded in a tube (73) from the migrating electric current and from gas bubbles. The pH of the solution is then adjusted to a selected value as a function of the measured pH, e.g. by varying the electrolysis current or by bubbling in acid vapor, air or base vapor.