Silver nanoparticles for hydrodehalogenation reduction: Evidence of a synergistic effect between catalyst and support

The electrochemical dehalogenation of organic halides, a class of highly toxic compounds, is attractive for the mild reaction conditions and has been a central topic in organic electrochemistry for the last few decades. In this context silver has been deeply studied and characterized for its electrocatalytic properties in the hydrodehalogenation reaction, particularly when nanostructured particles are used. This paper is focused on the important role of the support, a commercial carbon matrix, with the aim of improving the final composite properties in terms of stability, durability and electrocatalytic activity. In particular, the carbon matrix has been undergone to an oxidative pretreatment to increase the surface oxo-groups and both the electrochemical behavior of the mere carbon and possible synergistic effects on composite materials are analyzed and discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.