Electrochemical reduction of CCl2F2 on Nafion solid polymer electrolyte composite electrodes

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of CCl₂F₂ (CFC-12) was carried out at Pd, Au, Cu and Ag cathodes, which were chemically deposited on Nafion 117 (H⁺ form) membrane; the main electrolysis product at –1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl at Au, Pd and Cu was CH₄, with current efficiencies (CE) of 14, 15 and 47% respectively, while at Ag cathode, in addition to CH₄, a considerable quantity of CH₂F₂ (CE 60%) was also detected, which might be used as a new technology refrigerant.