Electron transfer at platinum and palladium interfaces in super-dry electrolytes. Generation of iono-metallic layers. A mini-review

•Cathodic modifications of platinum and palladium in super-dry electrolytes MX•Formation of iono-metallic layers {Pt2− M+, MX} implying platinum or palladium•Reactive surfaces as reducing reagents•Insertion of organic π-acceptors in platinum•A new process for modifying platinum interfaces

Metallic electrodes (gold, platinum) have been considered for long as inert and quasi-ideal electrodes both within the anodic and cathodic ranges. Here are gathered some striking evidences of the reactivity of platinum (and accessorily that of palladium) in aprotic polar solvents (water present < 200 ppm) for leading, by cathodic reaction with present electrolytes, to a large panel of iono-metallic layer. These modified metal layers may present many interesting behaviours: reductions via electron transfer, insertion by exchange of charged organic species inside the metallic matrix, catalysis, energy storage, etc.… The highly foreseeable interest of those new materials and interfaces is briefly underlined in this mini-review.

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