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Electroreductions on Silver‐Based Electrocatalysts: The Use of Ag Nanoparticles for CHCl 3 to CH 4 Conversion
Author(s) -
Rondinini S.,
Aricci G.,
Krpetić Ž.,
Locatelli C.,
Minguzzi A.,
Porta F.,
Vertova A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
fuel cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.485
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1615-6854
pISSN - 1615-6846
DOI - 10.1002/fuce.200800083
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , electrolysis , cyclic voltammetry , aqueous solution , inorganic chemistry , carbon fibers , chemistry , materials science , halide , bulk electrolysis , chemical engineering , electrolyte , electrochemistry , composite number , electrode , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering
A preliminary investigation on a new class on electrocatalytic materials for the electroreduction of organic halides is presented and discussed. The electrocatalysts are based on silver nanoparticles (Ag_NP), ad hoc synthesised by chemical reduction of an aqueous silver salt in the presence of six different stabilising agents. The colloids are then supported on carbon powder (10% loading) for further characterisation and use. The electrocatalytic properties of the Ag_NP/carbon composites towards the dehalogenation of halocompounds are tested by cyclic voltammetry and by preparative electrolysis. The hydrodehalogenation of trichloromethane, extensively studied by this group, is selected as a model reaction, because of its relevance for the detoxification of wastes. The voltammetric characterisation is performed in an aqueous solution, supporting the composites on cavity microelectrodes. Gas‐diffusion electrodes (GDE) based on the most promising Ag_NP composite – and, for reference, on a commercial Ag/C oxygen reduction electrocatalyst – are then tested in an electrolytic process for the progressive conversion of gaseous trichloromethane to less chlorinated compounds, and ultimately to methane.