Electrochemical reductive destruction of polytetrafluoroethylene

Role of the Carbon-Based Gas Diffusion Layer on Flooding in a Gas Diffusion Electrode Cell for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

“…Such a decrease suggests that some amount of PTFE may decompose under negative potentials as reported previously (at −2 V vs SCE). 38,39 Although the potentials in our work are less negative than this, the decomposition of PTFE on the GDE can be faster than its foil/membrane form and potentially occur at more anodic potentials. 40 Once the PTFE degrades, the C−F bonds will break, and C can combine with C to form CC bonds.…”

Electrochemical Carbon

“…21 Reductive carbonization of a pure PTFE film contacting a lead-antimony cathode in a solution of NBu 4 BF 4 in dimethylformamide was first reported by Brewis et al 200 This reaction at platinum or glasslike carbon electrodes 235 was further studied in detail by this [22][23][24][25][26]236 and other groups. [27][28][29][30]62,[237][238][239] Coulometric experiments indicate a complete defluorination of PTFE, i.e., a consumption of 2.05-2.45 electrons per -CF 2 -group. 22,24,25 (Again, there is a small superstoichiometric electron consumption due to doping; cf.…”

“…Apparently, reductive carbonization at metal cathodes proceeds either directly or indirectly (EC mechanism). Perhalogenated polymers show both direct reduction ,− ,,,− , and indirect reduction, , but partly halogenated polymers are electroreduced only indirectly via suitable mediators. ,, …”

Electrowetting limits electrochemical CO2 reduction in carbon-free gas diffusion electrodes

“…These findings agree with the hypothesis that electrochemical degradation eliminates fluoride from the PTFE polymer chain and leaves behind carbonaceous degradation products. 64,65…”

“…S23, ESI †). In its course, fluoride is eliminated from the PTFE polymer chain 64 and carbonaceous decomposition products are left behind. 64,65 ) with a CO 2 gas feed.…”