Abstract: Electrical conductor comprising a metallic bar (1) jacketed with a sheath (2) made from a metal different from that of the bar, in which the bar (1) exhibits at least one longitudinal groove (3, 3') containing a bead (4, 4') made from the same metal as the sheath (2), welded to the bar (1), and the sheath (2) exhibits an opening opposite the bead (4, 4'), the said opening containing a metallic mass (9, 9') welded to the bead (4, 4') and to the sheath (2). The conductor finds one application in electrodes comprising a metallic plate longitudinally fixed to an electrical conductor.

Abstract: A paste for impregnating a three-dimensional metal sponge porous support, which impregnated porous support is dried to provide an electrode for an electrochemical cell. The paste comprises (i) an electrochemically active material selected from a metal hydride and a metal hydroxide in an amount of from 40% to 60% of the weight of the paste, and (ii) a gel containing xanthan in an amount of from 0.5% to 2% of the weight of the gel. The paste has a yield point greater than the shear stress due to the gravity so that the paste does not flow out of the impregnated support. Also disclosed is a method of making an electrochemical cell electrode, comprising the steps of preparing the above-described paste, impregnating the paste into a three-dimensional metal sponge porous support, and drying the paste. The inventive paste is advantageously retained in the support during the drying step.

Abstract: A power lead for electrodes in electrochemical cells has a core of a material, such as copper, that has good electrical conductivity; the core is surrounded with large-area contact by a tubular titanium body, and the surface remote from the core of the titanium body is connected to the electrode. The titanium body has an opening through which a titanium retaining pin is introduced into a recess of the core, and the rim of the opening is welded in a hermetically sealed manner to the metal pin. A preferred application is the construction or repair of anodes for diaphragm cells.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly is insertable into a metal water storage tank to inhibit corrosion thereof and includes a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a cylindrical plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captively retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. To regulate the amount of electrical current generated by the assembly during use thereof, a barrel-shaped resistor is supported within the assembly and interconnected between its anode and cap portions. The insulating sleeve has a generally U-shaped groove formed in a closed end thereof, with one leg of the groove extending diametrically across a central opening in the sleeve end that receives a core wire portion of the anode member, and the other groove leg extending generally chordwise relative to the sleeve end.

Abstract: An electrode used in electrochemical deionization comprises a current feeder disposed asymmetrically in an ion exchange material bonded into a coherant structure i.e. more of the ion exchange material adheres to one side of the current feeder than to the other side. The ion exchange material may be bonded by being provided in intimate admixture with a binder. Such an electrode offers manufacturing ease and the ability to be scaled up in multi-modular form.

Abstract: An easy-to-disassemble vertical gas diffusion electrode, assembly of sandwich type construction is provided with a gas feed tube to the highest point and a discharge line from the lowest point of the electrode and is operated with its gas chamber held under a weak vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to an electrode for evaluating electrochemical potentials which has a robust structure particularly suiting it for employment within the rigorous environment of the reactor core of a nuclear power facility. The electrode of the present invention is comprised of five major segments: a metal cap electrode, an elongate annular metal jacket, an alumina retainer (i.e. an insulator), an annular metal transition sleeve, and a positioning and signal transfer assembly. The metal cap electrode has a tip and annulus extending therefrom formed from sidewalls having an interior surface. The elongate annular metal jacket has an annular retainer securing mouth at one end and an outlet at its opposite end. The alumina retainer has a recessed cap securing portion nestably secured to a portion of said cap electrode interior sidewall surface, and an oppositely-disposed recessed jacket securing portion nestably secured to the interior of said annular jacket retainer securing mouth.

Abstract: In the electrode in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped composed of impregnated graphite material for electrochemical reactors, the electrode (4,5) is provided with openings (8,9,10,11) extending perpendicular to its active electrode surfaces (6,7) at its corners. Canals (12,13) which extend parallel to the active electrode surfaces (6,7) in the direction of an adjacent opening (9,10) originates in each case from two openings (8,10) situated diagonally opposite each other. The canals (12,13) have communicating channels (14,15) to the active electrode surfaces (6,7).

Abstract: A fixed anode structure having at least one broad plate face utilized in electrodepositing a coating on a moving cathode has a segmented plate anode. The plate anode can have a broad face that is generally flat or curvilinear in relation to the shape of the cathode, e.g., in concentric relationship with a curvilinear cathode. The segmented anode has broad plate faces that come together to provide edges that are bias cut in relation to the path of travel of a cathode moving in relation to the anode.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for a tank has an anode which comprises a long extendible coil of wire of a valve metal coated with a suitable electrically conductive ceramic material. The coil provides reduced electrolyte resistance and power consumption. At installation the coil is extended to provide the anode length desired for the particular tank. Each end of the anode can have insulation to provide the desired dielectric standoff. The insulation of the lower end can be in the form of a the weighted element to stabilize the position of the anode.

Abstract: A supported catalyst useful in the preparation of an electrode for an electrochemical cell which comprises the residue remaining after heating at about 500.degree. to about 700.degree. C. a transition metal and a polymer such as polyvinylpyridine all adsorbed on a support material. Useful electrodes are prepared by combining the supported catalyst with a current collector.

Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be initiated by selection of a metal of desirable metallurgy and heat history, including prior heat treatment to provide surface grain boundaries which may be most readily etched. In subsequent etching operation, the surface is made to exhibit well defined, three dimensional grains with deep grain boundaries. Subsequently applied coatings, by penetrating into the etched intergranular valleys, are desirably locked onto the metal substrate surface and provide enhanced lifetime even in rugged commercial environments.

Abstract: A method and electrolytic catalytic cell that chemically modifies the structure of hydrocarbon fuels in which the cell is immersed, by electrochemical series potential, electrolytic cell and catalytic action of preferably a noble metal cathode and zinc anodic elements movably continually contacting and circulating the fuel, giving rise to evenness in ignition and completion of combustion with elimination of noxious by-products largely by combination with the hydroxyl ions formed by the catalytic action. Preferred helical-cathode and anode cell structures and other types of hydroxyl ion generators are described for scavenging also in post-combustion exhausts including industrial effluents.

Abstract: An anode arrangement used in electrolytic processes for steel strip galvanizing or chrome-plating has a plate-like anode of titanium with an active surface, which is connected to a generally planar carrier having a steel core and a current supply conductor comprising a sleeve element and a bushing element. The core has a passage extending through it to receive the bushing element, and, for protection against attack by the electrolytic solution, the core is loosely surrounded by an envelope of titanium foil; in the region of the bushing element, the envelope has passages, the edges of which are welded to the bushing element in a gas-tight and fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode for electrical discharge used for diesinking, comprising an electrode member produced by subjecting a base and binder of gypsum hemihydrate powder and a filler of conductive metal powder to modeling and/or molding and setting into a desired form of electrode, and followed by plating the electrode member with a conductive metal; and a process for manufacturing the same, wherein a gypsum hemihydrate powder, a gypsum dihydrate powder in an amount of 1% by weight of the gypsum hemihydrate powder and a conductive metal powder are kneaded in vacuo, and water is added thereto to continue further kneading in vacuo, followed by casting into a mold having a predetermined shape transferred thereon to carry out hydration, molding and setting to provide an electrode member; after the electrode member is dried, it is plated with a conductive metal to enhance mutual continuity in the conductivity of the former conductive metal powder and also to form a thin metal layer on the surface of the electro

Abstract: The present invention resides in an expandable anode assembly which comprises an anode riser and anode surfaces on opposite sides of the anode riser. Each anode surface comprises multiple anode sheets. Each anode sheet is supported by spring connectors which allow movement of one sheet of an anode surface without movement of the other sheet of such surface. The spring connectors hold each sheet so that its profile remains essentially flat in such movement. Each sheet lies in the same or an essentially parallel plane with other sheets of the anode assembly.

Abstract: A carbon electrode surrounded by a protective globe in a fusion refining electrolysis process. The protective globe is self-supporting, gastight and thermally stable. The protective globe is spaced from the carbon electrode by a predetermined distance. Also, there is a predetermined distance between an end of the carbon electrode to be immersed in a melting bath and an open end of the protective globe through which projects the carbon electrode. A preheating process requires the electrode to be initially preheated over the melting bath, then its exposed end is immesered into the melting bath while not immersing the protective globe, and finally immersing both the electrode and the protective globe.

Abstract: An electrode protector, which is to be attached to the surface of an insoluble metal electrode for use as the counterpart electrode in a continuous electrolytic treatment of a metal strip or the like and serves to prevent short circuiting, comprising a mesh substrate made of a corrosion-resistant metal, and provided on the surface of the mesh substrate, a corrosion-resistant electrically insulating coating.

Abstract: A current conducting roller, in particular for a continuous electrolysis line, the roller comprising in conventional manner a steel body (120) and being characterized by the fact that it includes an inside copper fitting (130) over at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A deformable electrode for electrochemical machining (ECM) of passages, in particular curved passages or passage sections in workpieces, is constructed from a deformable, electrically insulating tube having electrically conductive electrode tip means arranged around the end of the tube to form the working tip of the electrode. Electrical conductor means are connected to the electrode tip means and extend along the tube. During ECM of a passage an electrolyte solution is supplied along the center of the tube, and a voltage is applied between the workpiece the electrode tip means, via the conductor means, so that dissolution of the workpiece occurs near the electrode tip means at the working face of the passage being machined.

Abstract: An electrode suitable for use as a lead-acid battery plate contains an inorganic metal oxide additive which enhances the formation of the plate. The additive is electrically conductive, stable in aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid, but does not participate in the electrode reaction. Suitable metal oxides include barium metaplumbate and other ceramic perovskite materials having similar properties. The conductive ceramic may also be used in electrodes for bipolar lead-acid batteries and in an electrode, particularly an anode (positive electrode), used in electrolytic processes.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a guide for a reticulate electrode bus connector. The guide comprises a body portion having an upper surface. A pair of spaced apart legs depend downwardly from a body portion and define with the body portion a guide longitudinal dimension. The legs define a longitudinally extending slot dimensioned to accommodate the reticulate electrode. The legs comprise planar, facing inner surfaces adapted to press against opposite sides of the electrode. A longitudinally extending ductway extends from the body portion upper surface to a slot. The ductway is aligned with a center line of the slot intermediate the planar facing inner surfaces. A plurality of openings extend through each of the legs communicating with the slot. The openings expose a substantial portion of the surface area of the reticulate electrode within the confines of the slot and are substantially uniformly disposed along the legs.

Abstract: The invention is an electrode at least having a primary hydraulically permeable electrode member with a multiplicity of spaced apart depressions projecting a predetermined distance from the plane of the electrode. The invention also includes an electrolytic cell using the electrode and a method for electrolyzing an electrolyte using the cell.

Abstract: A method for forming an EDM wire electrode includes coating a copper wire core with zinc, and then heating the coated wire in an oxidizing atmosphere to simultaneously provide a copper-zinc alloy layer over the copper core and a zinc oxide surface on the alloy layer. The oxide- and alloy-coated wire is then reduced in diameter to reduce the thickness of the alloy layer by about one-half of its initial thickness. The resulting electrodes wire permits a greater current density and a greater tractional force to be employed, yielding a significantly greater machining speed in the EDM process.

Abstract: A method and electrolytic catalytic cell that chemically modifies the structure of hydrocarbon fuels in which the cell is immersed, by the electrolytic, electromotive catalytic action of preferably platinum cathodic and zinc anodic elements movably continually contacting and circulating the fuel, giving rise to evenness in ignition and completion of combustion with elimination of noxious by-products largely by combination with the hydroxyl ions formed by the catalytic action.

Abstract: An insoluble electrode device comprises a box having a plurality of faces, one of which is an open face. An outlet for discharging an electrolyte solution is provided on at least one of the other faces of the box, and a porous electrode plate is mounted on the open face of the box. A liquid flow control panel is mounted behind the porous electrode plate for the interior of the box, whereby a fresh and uniform liquid flow of an electrolyte solution is provided in the space between the electrodes, and whereby a high quality electrolytic surface treatment can be achieved.

Abstract: An electrode comprising a first structure of a low conductivity non-metallic material spaced from a second structure of a high conductivity material which acts as a current distributor to the first structure, and a low melting metal or alloy of bismuth between and in contact with the structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrochemical machining of fashioned surfaces has a bed held fast to a fashioned surface, a working unit in the form of a pair of electrodes mounted on a drive for rotating them on the side of the fashioned surface. The electrodes are made in the form of discs having their axes extending at an angle with respect to each other. The apparatus also has a system for feeding the working unit to the fashioned surface which has a carriage having a drive for moving the carriage horizontally along the bed, the carriage being mounted on the bed, a mechanism for imparting oscillatory motions to the working unit provided on the carriage, and a drive for vertically feeding the working unit mounted on the carriage. The working unit is mounted on a shaft of the drive for vertically feeding the working unit.

Abstract: An elongated anode, comprising an electrically conductive ceramic material coated on a valve metal substrate, is secured in a correspondingly elongated groove which extends longitudinally in a shield of electrically non-conductive material. The shield has a convex outer surface when viewed in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The shield can be a longitudinal segment of a cylindrical thermoplastic pipe containing spirally wound reinforcing filaments. The interior space of the annular segment can be filled with a resilient material to provide a cushion.

Abstract: A coating composition is disclosed for protecting from corrosion and oxidation in the hot condition carrier bars of pre-baked anodes and the emergent carbonaceous part of the anodes for the protection of aluminum in the Hall-Heroult process. The composition consists essentially of dry matter formed by calcium alumnate cement having an alumina content of at least 70% and a low content of impurities, magnesium spinel, and optionally, further alumina, together with water in the amount of 10 to 80% by weight of the total dry matter.

Abstract: An elastomeric electrode having an electrically conductive base, a protective layer enclosing the base formed of an elastomeric material having electrically conductive material selected from the group consisting of highly conductive carbon black, graphite, and glassy carbon distributed therein and present in the amount of 10 to 30 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric material. A terminal extends from the base to exteriorly of the protective layer.

Abstract: An electrode is provided which is formed by the metallurgical bonding technique of diffusion bonding the backplate, conductor elements and electrode surface together, then applying the catalytic coating to the electrode surface, and bonding the backplate to an electrical conducting plate.

Abstract: A square blocked anode with first and second opposite flat faces and rectangular sidewalls joining the flat faces has a diagonal hole formed between one sidewall and a second face of the anode. Insulation is stripped from a distal end of a multiple strand insulated wire lead and the stripped end is inserted through the sidewall into the diagonal opening. Wire strands which emerge from the opening in the second surface of the anode are spread around the opening and solder may be applied to the spread strands. The square anode is fitted within a capsule having a square body with inner walls similar to the anode and slightly larger than corresponding surfaces of the anode. The insulated wire lead which emerges from the diagonal opening in a sidewall engages an inner surface of the capsule and an opposite sidewall of the anode engages an opposite inner surface of the capsule in friction fit, holding the anode in the capsule after the anode with the emerging wire lead are pressed in the capsule.

Abstract: A carbon block acts as a cell electrode. Channels are formed in its face which is to face the cell diaphragm. The channels provide an interconnected network including retention pools arranged to hold, release, break up and mix a liquid stream passing through them.

Abstract: An anode assembly 30 for selectively plating contact areas 102 on the interior surface of cathodically charged socket terminals 96 is disclosed, which comprises a conductive body member 32 having an anode means or member 54 extending forwardly from a body section 38, a dielectric body member 58 adapted to be secured to a forward portion 34 of said conductive body member 32 and having a passageway 62 therethrough for receiving the anode means 54; sheath means 64 extending forwardly from the dielectric body member and along the anode means 54 and extending angularly around at least one selected circumferential portion thereof, and lateral edge surfaces 68 of the sheath means 64 defining at least one slot 70 extending axially along the anode means 54 such that at least one axially extending portion 55 of the anode means 54 is exposed along the slot 70, the sheath means 64 having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of a terminal 96 to be plated; and means for securing said dielectric body member 58 to said

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with electrode structures and microsensors having fast response times and high sensitivity and to methods using such structures and/or microsensors. This is accomplished in any one of several ways. In one, the sensing and counter electrodes are positioned close enough together on an active area so that ion migration therebetween is fast. The thickness of the electrolytic medium on the active area is restricted to be no more than about 10 microns so that diffusion therethrough between the electrodes is at least as fast as the ion migration. In another, the sensing electrode may have outwardly extending portions extending beyond the electrolytic medium and not being covered thereby. Or, conductive particles can be distributed in the electrolytic medium. Or the medium can be very thin. Or, the electrodes can be interdigited. Combinations of the above structural features are also set forth.

Abstract: A fiber aggregate in which many of the fibers are oriented in the tangent direction of the circumference satisfactorily can be produced by a process and an apparatus according to the present invention. The best feature of the present invention is the following arrangement for a plurality of electrodes used in a process and an apparatus according to the present invention. Vertically extending foil, net or needle-shaped electrodes for orienting the fibers electrostatically are disposed alternately along the circumference of the vertically cylindrical space so as to divide the vertically cylindrical space into equal parts. In addition to this arrangement, the plurality of electrodes may be rotated as well as moved vertically in order not to disturb the fiber aggregation. A fiber aggregate obtained by the present invention has an improved strength and anti-thermal properties.

Abstract: Cell having a porous, self-draining, gas diffusion electrode contained within a frame and having on both sides of said electrode a liquid permeable microporous diaphragm. The electrode assembly contains an internally positioned current distributor. The cell has two oppositely charged electrodes separated by the electrode assembly which divides a single electrolyte compartment. In operation, electrolyte is flowed into the electrolyte compartment and spent electrolyte is removed. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrolyte is internally circulated by turbulent flow of electrolyte as the result of the upward movement of gas released at an electrode.

Abstract: The anode comprises a core of a metal having a negative potential relative to steel, and an adjacent electrode of a material having a positive potential relative to steel. The adjacent electrode has a first substrate generally facing the core and a second substrate in direct electrical communication with the first substrate end of a material having a negative potential relative to steel substantially shielded from the core by the first substrate. The anode includes a suitable porous material between the core and the electode which tends to retain water. The anode produces a potential voltage in the presence of an electrolyte between the core and electrode which is the collective effect of the material of the core and the materials of the electrode. Such an anode can produce a higher potential voltage than conventional sacrificial anodes and be designed for particular desired voltage potentials.

Abstract: An anode for aqueous electrolyses, consisting of a frame or support and a porous substrate which is connected to the frame and in which electrochemically active substances are dispersed. The substrate consists of titanium which is doped with chromium or nickel.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable anode for high-speed galvanizing processes comprising a plurality of substantially parallel, foraminous layers, in electrical contact with each other, each layer comprising an inert, electroconductive substrate with an oxygen evolving electrocatalytic coating, characterized in that the current density of each individual layer is substantially the same and does not exceed the value corresponding to the minimum desired lifetime of the anode. The number of layers is sufficient to provide the total current density required for the high-speed galvanizing. The anode further comprises spacers suitable for preventing short-circuits.

Abstract: An improved electrode for an electrolytic reduction cell is disclosed which comprises a nonmetallic electrode having a top surface, a central bore in the top surface, a central metal current source comprising a metal shaft or rod in the central bore, and side bores extending from the central bore toward the sides of the electrode having metallic portions therein to provide lateral current distribution from the central current source. In a preferred embodiment, the side bores are filled with metal in situ by pouring molten metal such as cast iron into the central bore to lock the central shaft in place wherein the molten metal will flow, during such filling, into the side bores to provide intimate contact with the sidewalls of side bores to provide improved lateral current distribution from the central current source across said electrode.

Abstract: A current feeder to electrodes, in particular for horizontally arranged gas evolving metal anodes for electrochemical processes. The current feeder stud is provided at its lower end with a connection element of valve metal. The connection element has a receiving bore into which the lower end of the current feeder stud is inserted leaving an intermediate space with reference to the receiving bore. The stud and connection element are fixed by a cast metal intermediate core and a substantially tubular contact structure of valve metal is embedded into this core. The contact structure is connected via a plurality of weld points to the wall of the receiving bore. Moreover, the valve metal connection element is connected to the current distribution elements of the electrode by an easily separable weld construction.

Abstract: A field generator for generating an electrostatic field within a liquid is provided with a cylindrical body having a protective non-conducting coating covering a major portion of its length, a first boss comprising a mounting boss enclosing one end of the body in protective sealing relation therewith and a second protective boss similarly mounted in protective sealing relation at the other end of the body independently of the first boss to provide a rodless field generator construction. In one embodiment the field generator is employed in combination with an enclosing pipe for conducting a flow of liquid past the field generator, the pipe being secured in axially constraining relation with at least one of the end bosses.

Abstract: An electric arc saw blade having improved magnetic characteristics and economy including a metallic disk composed of a high strength, electrically conductive material having secured to its periphery a plurality of non-magnetic inserts composed of a second material having a relatively high electrical conductivity. The inserts are placed in radially oriented notches of the disk which define undercuts, engaged by the inserts, to transfer centrifugal forces from the insert to the high strength disk. The inserts also have grooves which engage the face of the disk rigidly to secure the inserts to the disk. The inserts are installed by cold-working or brazing and they are readily removed and replaced with new ones to thereby substantially increase the life span of the blade.

Abstract: The invention includes electrodes having a plurality of fibers wherein an essentially continuous metallic coating of high bond strength extends over at least a portion of each fiber, and wherein the fibers provide a large surface area. The electrodes of the invention have an efficient electrical connection at their terminals comprising fiber/metal matrices which provide the desired connections to the terminals without damage to the fibers. The fiber metal matrices also provide excellent electrical contact between all of the fibers, and inhibit wicking of the electrolyte or process stream into the electrical connections. Where the fibers are coated along a substantial portion of their length, they also have a high electrical conductivity. The invention further includes electro-chemical cells, and processes for forming and utilizing the electrodes and cells.

Abstract: A metal anode comprises a current feed and at least one current distributor branching therefrom. The current distributor has a sleeve consisting of two identically formed profiled members which each have a respective crosspiece and two unequal limbs extending from its ends at right angles in opposite senses. The two profiled members are, for formation of the sleeve, assembled together so that the shorter limb of the one profile member lies in the region of the free end of the longer limb of the other profile member, whereby on the two narrow sides of the sleeve offset projecting flanges result. On these flanges are connected respective plate-like elements. These form the active part of the electrode. The plate-like elements consist expediently of corrugated expanded metal.

Abstract: A metal disintegrating electrode for forming a hole in a metal workpiece such as a pipe by a thermo-fracture process without creating large chips or particles that otherwise would contaminate the inside of the pipe. The electrode comprises an elongated tubular sheath filled with a cluster of tubes or a cluster of tubes and rods which cause the metal of the pipe to disintegrate into small particles. The tubes also conduct a flow of coolant against the pipe and along the outside of the tubular sheath in order to promote the thermo-fracture process and to keep the electrode from sticking to the pipe.

Abstract: Microelectrodes of the art are limited to the charge density which can pass through them. The present invention discloses a method for electroplating iridium metal onto the surface of a metallic microelectrode for use in a biomedical prosthetic device, which method comprises:(a) placing the metallic microelectrode into an aqueous solution of iridium ion of between about 1 and 10 percent by weight; and(b) electroplating the microelectrode of step (a) using a current of between about 0.5 and 15 milliamps wherein said current is controlled by a current controller. In another aspect the method discloses in step (b) the current is also biased and simultaneously applied in a mode wherein the current is equivalent to an impressed voltage of between about 1.5 and 6.0 volts positive.In other aspects, the method also includes the following :A-after step (b): (c) conditioning the microelectrode after step (b) by heating at a temperature of between about ambient and 350.degree. C.

Abstract: An electrode that has a film adsorbed to its surface by reductive electropolymerization of (vbpy)Re(CO).sub.3 Cl (4-vinyl-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine tricarbonylchlororhenium(I)) or its acetonitrile analogue, [(vbpy)Re(CO).sub.3 (MeCN)].sup.+ (4-vinyl-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine tricarbonylacetonitrile rhenium (I)). The poly (vbpy)Re(CO).sub.3 Cl or poly-[(vbpy)Re(CO).sub.3 (MeCN)].sup.+ adsorbed onto the electrode, acts as a catalyst for CO.sub.2 reduction to CO. Stability and the reactivity of the polymer film may be increased by co-reductive electropolymeriaztion of either of the aforesaid Re complexes with [(bpy).sub.2 Ru(vpy).sub.2.sup.2+ ](bis(4-vinyl-pyridine)bis(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium (II)) (vpy is 4-vinylpyridine). A bilayer film assembly consisting of poly-[(bpy).sub.2 Ru(vpy).sub.2 ].sup.2+ as an inner film and the aforementioned copolymer of Ru/Re yields even greater reactivity to CO.sub.2.A method of forming a polymeric film on an electrode.A method of reducing CO.sub.