Uniform and sustained anode potential oscillations (amplitude, 10-20V) have been observed in galvanostatic dissolution of copper in chlorate electrolyte. The oscillations occur in the current density range of 0.3-150 A/cm 2. Frequency increases with current density in this range from 10 -3 to 103 Hz. Increases in electrolyte temperature, acidity, and flow rate were found to result in a decrease of oscillation frequency. Large amplitude oscillations were also observed in a narrower current density range and with less cycle uniformity, in a variety of mixed electrolytes containing small concentrations of halides. The rise and fall of potential reflects an alternate growth and destruction of an adherent cuprous oxide surface layer. A model for the oscillations is proposed based on resistive switching transitions within the anode surface film.The anodic dissolution of copper in sodium chlorate electrolyte gives rise to a remarkable phenomenon. On applying a constant current to the cell, the anode potential fails to reach a steady level; rather, the potential undergoes a periodic rise and fall of about 10V, as shown by the sample oscillograph recording (Fig. I). The individual cycles are impressively uniform in period and amplitude. Oscillations are found with galvanostatically controlled current densities in the range of 0.3 to over 150 A/era 2. Above approximately 180 A/cm 2, random fluctuations accompanied by gassing and sparking were observed. Frequency increases with 9 Electrochemical Society Active Member.