Electrochemical reduction characteristics and the mechanism of chlorinated hydrocarbons at the copper electrode

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction characteristics of chlorinated hydrocarbons were investigated by cyclic voltammetry technique. The reduction mechanism and activity of the chlorinated hydrocarbons at the copper electrode were explored. The relationship between the structure of chlorinated hydrocarbons and their reductive activity were discussed. The experimental results showed that chlorinated alkanes and a portion of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons could be reduced directly at the copper electrode. However, chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons were not easy to reduce at the copper electrode. The results provided a theoretical basis for the catalyzed iron inner electrolysis method.