Electrochemical Carbonization of PTFE in Nonaqueous Electrolytes

Abstract

One dimensional carbon structure (carbyne) was tried to be synthesized through electrochemical defluorination of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in nonaqueous electrolytes. When tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) was used as electrolyte, the electrochemical defluorination of PTFE proceeded sufficiently with the potentiostatic reduction at 0 V vs. Li/Li+. According to the results with Raman analysis, it was found that polyacetylene structure were contained in the defluorination products. The FTIR spectrum suggested the existence of triple bond of carbon atoms in the defluorination products. On the other hand, the electrochemical defluorination did not so proceed in THF solution containing lithium perchlorate (LiC1O4) at OV vs. Li/Li+. Moreover, triple bond of carbon atoms was not found when LiC1O4/THF was used. Considering the stability against electrochemical reduction of these two electrolytes, it can be concluded that decomposed species of TBAP promote the defluorination of PTFE.