Abstract: A method for purifying industrial waste water by direct oxidation of the organic pollutants in an electrochemical cell the anode of which contains, in its active part or in any intermediate layer present, neither noble metals in any form nor PbO.sub.2 nor graphite, but instead comprises in this part exclusively SnO.sub.2 which is doped with F, Cl, Sb, Mo, W, Nb, Ta or with a mixture of at least two of these elements. The anode has an oxygen overvoltage which is higher than that of a PbO.sub.2 comparison anode and reaches the value of at least 1.85 V at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm.sup.2 in 1 normal H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 under a pressure of 1 bar at a temperature of 20.degree. C. in the presence of a Pt counterelectrode.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrochemically separating alkali oxides to simultaneously generate oxygen gas and liquid alkali metals in a high temperature electrolytic cell is provided. The high temperature electrolytic cell comprises a cathode in contact with an alkali ion conducting molten salt electrolyte separated from the anode by an oxygen vacancy conducting solid electrolyte. Alkali metals separated in the alkali metal reducing half cell reaction are useful as reducing agents in the direct thermochemical refining of lunar metal oxide ores to produce metallic species and alkali oxides, and the alkali oxides may then be recycled to the high temperature electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A device for countering the deposition of hard water scale comprises a cathode and an anode defining a passage for water passing through the device and connected in an electrical circuit including the water as an electrolyte. The anode is a sacrificial anode which releases salt particles and ions into the water during operation of the device. At least a substantial proportion of such particles and ions are non-adherent to the anode, and thereby form sites for crystal formation in the water and reduce deposition of scale. An external electrical potential may be applied across the circuit to cause an externally generated current to pass through the device. Means may be provided for generating a magnetic field downstream of the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A cathode suitable for use in an electrochemical process evolving hydrogen (for example the chloralkali process) in which the cathode comprises an electrically conductive substrate (1) made of a non-ferrous metal or having a coherent coating of non-ferrous metal on which is provided an electrocatalyst (4) comprising platinum and ruthenium and wherein the cathode is made more poison-resistant by a deposition of gold or silver and, optionally, a further deposition of PTFE. The cathode is particularly resistant to poisoning by iron.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device is provided in which a high molecular weight conductive membrane is formed on a conductive, transparent base, and an opposing electrode is arranged thereunder via a liquid electrolyte. The conductive, electrochromic membrane is a polyisothianaphthene, a chemically and physically stable material which gives the device superior electrochromic switching characteristics, including a fast response time and a high contrast color change upon oxidation and reduction. Other applications which rely on the electrochromic properties of the polyisothianaphthene are disclosed as well.

Abstract: An electrically conductive polymer is produced by dissolving or dispersing a monomer of an aromatic compound or a derivative thereof and an electrolyte in an organic polar medium, effecting an electrochemical, anodic oxidation in the resulting solution or dispersion, in the presence of one or more metal ions, to obtain an electrically conductive polymer, and separating the obtained polymer. The metal ion is being selected from the group consisting of a copper ion, bivalent silver ion, trivalent iron ion, trivalent manganese ion, a ruthenium ion, a rhenium ion and a rhodium ion. Films of the polymer have high conductivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cermet electrode consisting of metal particles of nickel, cobalt, iron, or alloys or mixtures thereof immobilized by zirconia stabilized in cubic form which contains discrete deposits of about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium, or a mixture thereof. The solid oxide electrode can be made by covering a substrate with particles of nickel, cobalt, iron, or mixtures thereof, growing a stabilized zirconia solid oxide skeleton around the particles thereby immobilizing them, contacting the skeleton with a compound of praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium, or a mixture thereof, and heating the skeleton to a temperature of at least 500.degree. C. The electrode can also be made by preparing a slurry of nickel, cobalt, iron, or mixture and a compound of praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium, or a mixture thereof, depositing the slurry on a substrate, heating the slurry to dryness, and growing a stabilized zirconia skeleton around the metal particles.

Abstract: An electrode for electrolysis which comprises an electrode substrate made of a conductive metal having thereon a coating of an electrode active substance is disclosed, in which a first intermediate layer comprising at least one compound of rare earth element and a second intermediate layer containing at least one of base metals and base metal oxides are provided between said electrode substrate and electrode active substance coating. The electrode exhibits high resistance to passivation and excellent durability, and is particularly suitable for use in electrolysis accompanied by oxygen generation and for organic electrolysis.

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 electropolymerization 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.

Abstract: Bonded, coherent fibrous web substrates well adopted as cathodic elements for electrolytic cells and advantageously incorporating an electrocatalytic agent, include a web matrix which comprises a plurality of fibers, at least a portion of which comprising electrically conductive fibers, e.g., carbon fibers, said plurality of fibers being coherently bonded together with a fluorine-containing polymer, and said web substrate having a resistivity of up to about 0.4 .OMEGA..cm.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrochemical cell and comprising a composition of a mixture of a plastics material and an electrically conducting fibrous material which has a ratio of length to diameter (L/D) of at least 50, and preferably at least 100. The composition may comprise 1% to 10% by volume of electrically conducting fibrous material and the plastics material is preferably a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: In an aluminium reduction cell including a cell lining and embedded therein at least one cathode current collector including a high temperature section comprising an electrically conducting refractory material such as titanium diboride, generally in conjunction with molten aluminium metal, corrosion is a problem. The invention provides a substance to protect the collector section. The substance may be a liquid impermeable layer e.g. particulate material impregnated with a molten fluoride-or chloride-containing salt mixture; for a getter such as particulate aluminium to react chemically with gaseous corrosive species. Combinations of these substances may be used, optionally in conjunction with a solid layer such as an alumina or aluminium metal tube.

Abstract: A lining to support the liquid contents of an aluminium electrolytic reduction cell includes an upper layer which is penetrated by electrolyte during operation of the cell, consisting essentially of unbonded alumina, including a substantially close-packed array of alumina shapes, the gaps between the shapes being substantially filled with particulate alumina in one or more fractions having discrete particle size ranges, including a fraction having an average particle diameter not more than 20% of the average diameter of the shapes, the layer having a bulk density of at least 2.0 g/cc.

Abstract: A measuring electrode is disclosed for pH measurement, in particular for the transcutaneous determination of CO.sub.2 partial pressure. The measuring electrode is configured so that the shape thereof can be adapted to any shape of electrode carrier by mechanical working. For this purpose, the measuring electrode has a contact body containing the metal oxide in powdered form and the latter is in direct electrical contact with the metal of the metal oxide.

Abstract: Sputter targets and a process for producing sputter targets are provided, comprised of carbides and/or nitrides and/or borides of refractory metals. In a first step, a dense composite body is produced comprised of one or more carbides and/or nitrides and/or borides of the metals of Groups IV A-VI A of the periodic table and a metallic binding agent comprised of one or more metals of the iron group of the periodic table. This composite body in the form of a shaped blank is machined, if necessary, and the binding agent is removed by chemical or electrochemical treatment. The sputter target as so produced has excellent mechanical strength and high thermal shock resistance. Levels of contaminating elements and the residual metallic binding agent are extremely low, meeting the requirements typically placed on sputter targets.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical cell comprising:(a) an anode; and(b) a cathode having a pyropolymer present on at least a portion of its surface.

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 air-fuel ratio sensor for detecting the air-fuel ratio in intake gas introduced into an engine by way of the oxygen concentration in engine exhaust comprises an oxygen ion transmissive solid electrolyte body and first and second porous electrodes provided on opposite sides of the solid electrolyte body, the first porous electrode being adapted to be brought into contact with the exhaust. The first porous electrode is formed of a material which exhibits semi-catalytic property. Metal oxide which oxidizes HC to produce CO is provided near three-phase points at which said first electrode, the solid electrolyte body and the exhaust adjoin each other when the first electrode is brought into contact with the exhaust.

Abstract: A resin coating composition comprising an epoxy resin derivative having an imidazoline ring functional group of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, each of R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R.sub.6 represents a residue of a carboxylic acid,as a resin binder. This resin coating composition is useful for cationic electrodeposition coating.

Abstract: A catalyst/cocatalyst/organics composition of matter is useful in electrolytically producing hydrogen or electrowinning metals. Use of the catalyst/cocatalyst/organics composition causes the anode potential and the energy required for the reaction to decrease. An electrolyte, including the catalyst/cocatalyst composition, and a reaction medium composition further including organic material are also described.

Abstract: Improved amorphous metal-based composite oxygen anodes comprise a substrate material, a first coating of an amorphous metal alloy applied thereto and a second coating of a mixed metal oxide applied to the first coating and fused therewith. A method for the fabrication of such anodes comprises the step of applying a first coating of an amorphous metal alloy to a substrate material, applying a second coating of a mixed metal oxide to the first coating and fusing the two layers together without crystallinity of the amorphous metal alloy. An electrolytic process employing such anodes is also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improvement in a process wherein a first reactant comprising one or more metals or metal compounds exothermically reacts with a second reactant comprising at least one or more metals or metal compounds in the presence of a third reactant to form an interwoven matrix of a conductive material and an insulating material. The improvement comprises locally applying, to a selected region of a shaped body formed from a mixture of the reactants, sufficient energy to initiate an exothermic reaction which then propagates throughout the remainder of the body to form the interwoven matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the electronic decomposition of water into its component free radical parts and free electrons. In a cell containing an aqueous fluid, an electromotive force is applied to a positive charge storage core, insulated with semi-conductive material, and a conducting cathodic connector having a limited electrolysis bridge therebetween thereby inducing the formation of an aqueous condenser, the anodic section of which consists of the positive charge storage core insulated with the semi-conductive material. The formed aqueous condenser is subjected to overpotentials at which the dielectric breakdown of water occurs. The free radicals produced by such dielectric decomposition serve to treat most dissolved, suspended or precipitous substances in solution by oxidation/reduction reactions.

Abstract: A cathode for use in the electrolytic refining of copper which comprises a carrying bar and a flat starting plate, which is secured to the carrying bar and made of special steel and provided with electrically insulating edge strips at least at its vertical longitudinal edges, which are formed in their edge faces with a groove, which contains an edge strip, that is made of a natural or synthetic polymer and fits into said groove and protrudes from the edge throughout its length. To prevent a deposition of metal in the critical region, the insulating edge strip which has been fitted into the dovetail groove has been formed by a longitudinal folding of a polymer film and contains at its fold line a wire of special steel, and the side portions of said film are coextensive and lie one over the other and are liquid-tightly joined to each other. The invention relates also to a process of manufacturing the cathode.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane cell comprises an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning by an ion exchange membrane. A gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded at least one of surface of said ion exchange membrane.An ion exchange membrane comprises a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer which is bonded to at least one surface of said membrane.An aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning with an ion exchange membrane wherein a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded to at least one of surfaces of said ion exchange membrane and an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is fed into said anode compartment to form chlorine on said anode and to form an alkali metal hydroxide in said cathode compartment.

Abstract: A flow-through electrochemical cell for sequentially oxidizing and reducing an aryl compound. The cell includes a cell body forming a compartment to hold an aqueous electrolyte solution, a porous anodic electrode, and a porous cathodic electrode. The anodic electrode includes a first porous layer of a hydrophobic material, a second porous layer with an oxidation catalyst dispersed therein, and a current collector in electrical contact with the second layer. The cathodic electrode comprises a block of a porous, electrically-conductive material impregnated with lead particles. The cell is particularly useful for the preparation of aryl hydroquinones at very high current efficiencies, high current densities, and low voltages.

Abstract: In the electrolytic production of aluminum by electrowinning or electrorefining processes, cell components such as cathode current feeders which in use are normally covered with molten aluminum are made of a composite material of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or intermetallic compound with an aluminum oxycompound, usually alumina, and possibly containing minor amounts of additives such as borides carbides, nitrides or oxides. The composite material, which remains mechanically stable and electrically conductive at 1000.degree. C., may be prepared by hot pressing powders at 1000.degree.-1700.degree. C. possibly after surface treating the alumina to improve wettability by molten Al. The components are optionally coated, e.g. with TiB.sub.2. The composite materials are also useful as non-current carrying components, including separator walls, weirs, packing elements and baffles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a unique substantially non-reactive refractory material suitable for use as a material of construction for various component parts of an electrolytic light metal, particularly magnesium, production cell. The non-reactive refractory material is comprised of a magnesium aluminum spinel. When used in block form the blocks may be joined together by use of a phosphate-spinel mortar.

Abstract: The invention concerns cells for production of Al by electrolysis of an alumina-containing electrolyte based on cryolite and having a lining based on alumina for containing the electrolyte. A layer containing an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound, e.g. sodium aluminate, is included in the lining, preferably around the 880.degree. C. isotherm when the cell is in operation. On penetration of the lining by the electrolyte, the compound dissolves in or reacts with the electrolyte so as to raise the solidus and reduce or prevent further penetration.

Abstract: An improved alumina reduction cell is described in which the carbonaceous cathode includes refractory hard metal shapes projecting upwardly from the cell surface thereof, forming the true cathode surface, and permanently mounted and replaceable protective sleeves formed of inert refractory material surrounding the refractory hard metal shapes and protecting these shapes from accidental contact by the anode.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of an improved electrode for an electrostatic atomizing device. The electrode consists of metal oxide-metal composite fragments dispersed and bonded in a metallic matrix. The composite fragments contain submicron metallic fibers uniformally arrayed in a nonconducting (insulating) matrix. The electrostatic atomizing device includes a cell having a chamber disposed therein, a discharge spray means in communication with the cell, at least two electrodes disposed in the chamber and being in liquid contact with the liquid in the chamber, the liquid in the chamber being transported to the discharge spray means and atomized into droplets, and a mechanism for generating by means of the electrodes, a charge through the liquid within the chamber, wherein the charge enamating from the improved electrode is sufficient to generate free excess charge in the liquid within the chamber, and the liquid is atomized into droplets.

Abstract: A novel target material for use in the sputter formation of a metal silicide film in electrode wiring in a semiconductor device, and a process for producing such target material are disclosed.The process for producing the target material is characterized by first impregnating molten silicon into a calcined body containing at least one silicide forming metal component and a silicon component and then forming a sintered body with a reduced oxygen content containing both a metal silicide and silicon.The target material prepared in accordance with the invention is extremely low not only in oxygen content but also in the concentrations of other impurities and has high deflective strength as compared with the conventional sintered target.The film formed by sputtering the target of the invention has appreciably reduced impurity levels and hence, very low electric resistivities. The target of the invention enables sputtering to be performed 5 times as fast as in the case using the conventional sintered target.

Abstract: A method of electrowinning a metal such as aluminum from e.g. a cryolite based melt containing alumina employs an enode having as its operative surface a protective coating which is maintained by the presence of constituents of the coating dissolved in the melt. The protective coating is preferably a fluorine-containing cerium oxycompound electro-deposited in-situ from cerium species dissolved in a fluoride-based melt.

Abstract: An aluminium reduction cell includes a potlining 16, which may be of alumina, with cathode current collectors 24, 32 embedded therein. The cell floor has an array of depressions 22 with at least one collector at the bottom of each depression. The depressions are filled with metal-wettable bodies 20, e.g. 5-20 mm diameter balls of titanium diboride, sized to prevent the entry of electrolyte or sludge. The depressions may be elongate in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal magnetic field in the cell.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the construction of a Hall cell for the production of aluminum by electrolytic reduction of alumina in a molten salt bath wherein a conductive carbon cathode lining comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall is surrounded adjacent the outer surface thereof with an insulating layer, and a layer of conductive material overlies the inner surface of at least the bottom wall of the carbon lining to reduce the effective spacing between the cathode and one or more anodes in the cell to thereby reduce the power consumption of the cell. The improvement comprises an air passageway between the insulating layer and the outer surface of the carbon lining sidewall and an air inlet port adjacent the bottom of the passageway for passing air into the air passageway and along the outer surface of the carbon lining sidewall whereby the carbon sidewall may be cooled sufficiently to permit the formation of a protective layer of frozen bath on the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: Metallic silver is deposited from a silver salt solution onto a support by reduction, and thus a catalytically active electrode material for oxygen-consuming electrodes is obtained. For this purpose,(a) an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic polymer, in particular a dispersion of PTFE,(b) a silver salt solution and(c) reducing agent for silver ionsare mixed. During this, a pH at which the dispersion employed is stable, and the silver salt is reduced, should be maintained.

Abstract: A component for an aluminum production cell comprising a refractory matrix having a rigid porous structure substantially filled with aluminum.

Abstract: An exchangeable solid cathode such that its average density is less than that of the molten aluminum, as a result of which the said cathode floats projecting into the electrolyte from below. At least three vertical, electrically insulating spacers are attached to the work face of the cathode and, due to the upthrust on the floating cathode, press against the work face of the related anode. The said floating cathode also features stabilizing positioning facilities at the side which insure proper lateral positioning of the cathode.

Abstract: A process for electrolytic treatment of a metallic object by the liquid power feeding method comprising an electrolyte containing an organic acid or a salt thereof, an electrode comprising a substrate of corrosion-resistant metal and an electrode coating based on the presence of at least some iridium oxide and formed on the substrate, where such functions advantageously as a stable anode enjoying long service life.

Abstract: Anodes having NiCo.sub.2 O.sub.4 catalyst used in the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen result in anode voltage requirements of less than about 1500 millivolts at 100 milliamperes per square centimeter of anode area. Typically, oxygen evolving anodes comprised of lead or carbon steel are utilized in the electrolysis of water to produce oxygen resulting in high voltage requirements. Anodes containing NiCo.sub.2 O.sub.4 catalyst require substantially reduced voltages and perform well in the conventional alkaline electrochemical production environment.

Abstract: Polymeric materials consisting essentially of a polymer of recurring units of a five-membered oxygen family heterocyclic ring which is selected from furan, thiophene, selenophene, tellurophene and derivatives thereof. The polymer is doped with anions of the specific type. A method for producing the polymeric materials is also described which comprises electrochemically polymerizing a five-membered oxygen family heterocyclic compound in coexistence with an acceptor with or without use of a supporting electrolyte in such a way that anions of the specific type is taken in the polymerized heterocyclic compound. The polymeric material is obtained in the form of a dense tenacious film.

Abstract: A gas diffusion composite electrode is disclosed which is suitable for use in combination with an electrically conductive current collector. The electrode comprises an electrochemically active, porous and heterogeneous layer containing (1) an interconnected, hydrophilic island material comprising a blend of a major amount of an electrically conductive, particulate material, such as carbon black, in combination with an electrochemically active catalyst, and a minor amount of a hydrophobic polymer in combination with (2) a hydrophobic matrix material consisting essentially of a hydrophobic polymer rendered substantially porous by removal of a pore-forming ingredient. Methods of preparing the heterogeneous layer and the composite electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cathode for electrolyzing acid solutions which comprises an electrically conductive metal substrate, a spray coated layer of a cathode active material containing tungsten, tungsten carbide or a mixture thereof in an amount of 10% by weight or more on the substrate, and an impregnation coated layer of 1 g/m.sup.2 or more of an acid-resistant fluorine containing resin on the outside surface of the coated layer of cathode active material, and a process for producing such.

Abstract: Finely divided electrically conductive pyrrole polymers are prepared by a process in which a finely divided pyrrole polymer, obtained by polymerization of pyrroles in solution with an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent, is electrochemically charged in the presence of a conductive salt. The finely divided electrically conductive pyrrole polymers can be used for the production of moldings.

Abstract: A method for rendering an aluminum electrowinning cell component fabricated from an aluminum nonwettable material wettable by molten aluminum, and therefore utilizable within the cell. Under the method, the component is coated with titanium and boron, and while the component is immersed in molten aluminum within the cell, the molten aluminum is maintained near saturation with boron and titanium.

Abstract: Wastewater from metal plating operations is treated to remove heavy metal and other contaminants, including toxic organic materials, chelating agents, and cyanide. The wastewater is passed through the cathode and anode of an electrochemical reactor in which the cathode preferably comprises a felt mass of conductive fibers and the anode comprises porous carbon, carbon fibers or metal oxides. A method and apparatus are disclosed which are particularly useful in removing impurities from plating plant wastewater.

Abstract: A composition which is particularly suitable for providing cathodic protection of metal structures is disclosed. The composition comprises a major amount of particulate anode material and a minor amount of a thixotropic carrier material. A method of using the composition is disclosed. Also, an apparatus which uses the composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A narrow gap electrolysis cell has anode and cathode compartments divided by an ionically-permeable separator, such as an ion-exchange membrane or a fibrous diaphragm, and a current feeder grid in electrical contact with a surface-activated particulate electrocatalytic material carried on a face of the separator. The particulate material has cores of a corrosion-resistant material preferably valve metal particles or sponge, or compounds thereof, as well as asbestos fibres and fibres of ion-exchange copolymeric perfluorocarbons, coated with a platinum-group metal catalyst in metal or oxide form. The surface-activated particles may be at least partly carried by a flexible electronically conductive foil between the current feeder grid and the separator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a drained aluminum electrowinning cathode dimensionally stable. A thin, 1/2 to 10 millimeter coating of substantially stagnant molten aluminum is maintained upon the cathode surface by an openly porous sheath or membrane closely conforming to contours of the electrowinning cathode. The sheath or membrane is made from a material substantially resistant to corrosives present in the aluminum electrowinning; it may be only slightly aluminum wettable, but should be relatively electrically nonconductive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and electrochemical cell useful for the selective electrochemical oxidation of aryl-compounds including aromatic and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, naphthalene and anthracene or their derivatives such as phenols and naphthols. The anodic electrode of the cell includes a first foraminous or porous layer of a hydrophobic material; a second foraminous or porous layer which includes an oxidation catalyst; and an electrical current collector in contact with the second layer. As a result of the special chemical properties and porosity of the first and second layers of the anode, and because of careful control of the pressure differential between the electrolyte solution and the aryl-compound, an active interface is formed by the electrolyte solution and aryl-compound between the first and second layers or in the second layer of the anode thereby providing for very selective controlled oxidation of the aryl-compound with excellent current efficiencies.