Carbon Nanotube/Graphite Mixtures Used as Cavity Cell Macroelectrodes and their Unexpected Behavior Towards Benzyl Bromide Electroreduction

Abstract

Powder macroelectrodes were prepared by mixing carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphite in different ratios, and evaluated as electron transfer medium for the benzyl bromide electroreduction. 1,2‐Diphenylethane (DPE) (1‐electron process) was favored, instead of toluene (2‐electron process), for all CNT:graphite mass ratios, while pure graphite or CNT favored toluene as major product. The 3:7 CNT:graphite mass ratio gave the best result, furnishing 70 % yield of DPE. Cyclic voltammetry showed a cathodic shift for the benzyl bromide reduction potential by using CNT:graphite electrode composition, favoring the 1‐electron process products during the electrolyses, and corroborating the results observed.

Synthesis of Ag nanoparticles/ordered mesoporous carbon as a highly efficient catalyst for the electroreduction of benzyl bromide

“…However, the yield was only 46%. 16 De Souza et al [17][18][19][20] obtained the best yield for bibenzyl production (89%) on Ag/graphite powder macroelectrodes by examining the catalytic properties of various powder macroelectrodes; however, the reaction device was complicated. Thus, a new method for preparing effective electrodes with high activity, selectivity, and stability for the electrocatalytic reduction of C-X bonds is required.…”