Abstract: In the present paper the research works on polarographic catalytic waves done by the Group of Electroanalytical Chemistry in Chemistry Department of Peking University have been reviewed.The polarographie catalytic waves of 25 elements investigated were summarized in Table I,together with their catalytic systems,sensitivities,characteristics and analytical applications.The,catalytic waves are sensitive and selective enough for trace analysis of semiconductor materials,high-purity metals,alloys,minerals,ores,waters,soils and so forth.The mechanisms of the catalytic waves,such as compositions and stability constants of the catalytic-active complexes,the rate constants of the chemical reactions and the phenomena of adsorption etc.were studied by the methods: of messuring the catalytic currents,hanging mercury drop,i-t corves,cyclic voltam-metry,current integr ation and radioactive tracer.The polarographic catalytic waves of rare earths are now being carried on.