The selective electrogenerative oxidation of benzyl alcohol in 1 M sulfuric acid solutions was studied on several types of graphite supported platinum packed-bed anodes in a hybrid continuous-flow cell with an oxygen gas diffusion cathode. Benzaldehyde formed preferentially on all three catalytic packed-beds under electrogenerative conditions (E(anode) < 0.75 V) where the platinum catalyst was-not irreversibly oxidized. Tin-palladium chloride graphite-pretreatment before platinum deposition through ethanol reduction significantly enhanced catalytic activity. This electrocatalyst provided current densities as high as 77 mA cm(-2) (superficial packed-bed cross sectional area) with a platinum loading of 0.89 wt% Pt on graphite at relative low polarization. The origin of the catalytic activity is discussed and evidence is presented on the roles of tin and palladium. Benzyl alcohol oxidation appears to provide a sensitive probe reaction for demonstrating the existence of special types of catalytic centres.