Electrodegradation of chlorofluorocarbons 11 and 113 at small concentrations in closed cells

The electrodegradation with electrosynthetic possibilities of trichlorofluoromethane (CFC 11) and 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (CFC 113) in acetate-containing methanol-water mixtures, has been studied using constant-potential electrolysis and gas chromatography. A closed cell with a Pb cathode and a Pd-based hydrogen diffusion anode, together with small concentrations of CFCs were employed to follow their conversion. The conversion of CFC 11 into the most dechlorinated derivatives increased with time. Partially and completely dechlorinated ethylene derivatives were obtained in the electroreduction of CFC 113, their relative amounts depending on the Pd2+ content of the electrolyte. In the negative part, some cathode corrosion during the process was evidenced. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.