Electrochemical conversion of hydrocarbons

An electrochemical conversion method, comprising:

• (a) providing an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and at least one membrane located therebetween;
• (b) providing a first mixture comprising >1.0 wt. % hydrocarbon based on the weight of the first mixture to the first electrode of the electrochemical cell;
• (c) applying an electric potential to the cell to establish an electric potential difference V1, across the cell during a first time interval, the first time interval having a duration τ1;
• (d) changing the applied electric potential to (i) establish a second electric potential difference, V2, across the cell for a second time interval τ2, and (ii) produce C2+ unsaturates proximate to the first electrode, wherein V2 is more negative or less positive than V1, τ2<τ1, and τ1 is in the range of from 1×10−1° sec. to 1.0 sec.;
• and
• (e) repeating steps (c) and (d).