The electrochemical oxidation of phenols leads to polymeric compounds via phenoxy radicals. This is considered as a drawback in the electro-oxidation of phenols on flat electrodes due to passivation. It is shown that it is possible to successfully remove phenol or 2-chlorophenol in acidic solutions using porous aerogel carbon electrodes and cycling the potential in the 0 to + 0.8 V range. The electropolymerized compounds adhere well to the electrodes and are homogeneously distributed within the pores. (C) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.