Fig. 3: Influence of the addition of perchlorate on the distribution of non-Kolbe products.

a The ratio of the non-Kolbe products with the addition of different concentrations of perchlorate. b The ratio of the non-Kolbe products with the addition of different anions. In-situ ATR-SEIRAS spectra of graphite reacting in the electrolyte (c) with or (d) without perchlorate with a change in potential. In-situ ATR-SEIRAS spectra of graphite reacting in the electrolyte (e) with or (f) without perchlorate over time at 2.27 V vs. RHE. Changes in the intensity of the νsOCO species are shown in the inset, which represents the adsorbed acetate. The solution resistance (R) for panels (c) and (e) is around 32.8 Ω. The solution resistance (R) for (d) and (f) is around 34.3 Ω. Source data for this figure are provided in the Source Data file.