Cathodic decomposition of propylene carbonate at graphite electrodes

The decomposition reaction of propylene carbonate (PC) has been studied at graphite electrode in 1.0 M LiClO/sub 4/ employing a variety of transient electrochemical techniques. Results show that the PC decomposition reaction takes place through an EC' (electron transfer followed by catalytic reduction) reaction path. The pseudo first order rate constants of the chemical decomposition step has been determined. The formation of passive films on the electrode surface has been confirmed. The diffusion coefficients at the fresh and the film covered graphite electrodes have been determined to be 8.2/spl times/10/sup -9/ cm/sup 2//s and 7.1/spl times/10/sup -9/ cm/sup 2//s, respectively.