Using Ni cathode and Al sacrificial anode, the electrocarboxylation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (naphthalene, 5-methylnaphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene and 1H-indene) with carbon dioxide (4 MPa) could be successfully performed in an undivided cell containing n-Bu 4 NBr-DMF supporting electrolyte with a constant current at room temperature, affording the corresponding trans-dicarboxylic acids in good to excellent yields (62%-90%). Among the examined cathode materials (Ni, Pt, Ag, Cu and Zn), Ni and Pt cathodes exhibited a good catalytic activity for the electrocarboxylations. In addition, the experimental results indicated that electrolytic conditions (conducting salts, electricity, CO 2 pressure and temperature) could also affect the result of the electrocarboxylation. According to the results of the electrocarboxylations and CV (cyclic voltammetry), a possible electrochemical reaction mechanism was also proposed.