title: An experimental and theoretical study of interactions between unlike surface anions and increases in the rate of electrochemical reactions.
abstract: Experimental and theoretical results are presented on increases in the rate of electrochemical reactions, which are achieved by replacing a small fraction of the original anions in solution with more inhibiting ones. The rate of the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid was substantially increased by replacing a small amount of the supporting electrolyte, perchloric acid, with either sulfuric acid or tetrafluoroboric acid. The largest increases were achieved by substituting mixtures of the last two acids. A theoretical analysis of an electrochemical reaction coupled to anion adsorption is presented. The analysis reveals that, if repulsive forces of appropriate strength form between unlike surface anions, replacing a fraction of the original anions in solution with one or two kinds of more inhibiting anions can increase the rate of reaction.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Chemistry, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275, USA.
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Kumara Swamy
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schell