Catalytic hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene in water with supported CMC-stabilized palladium nanoparticles

Nano Pd doped Ni foam electrode stimulated electrochemical reduction of tetrabromobisphenol A: Optimization strategies and function mechanism

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a hazardous and persistent flame retardant, has been widely detected in the natural aquatic system. The acceleration of reductive debromination (rate-limiting process) is vital during the decomposition and detoxification of TBBPA. This study achieved superior TBBPA electrochemical reductive debromination performance by nano Pd doped Ni foam electrode (4.8 times higher than Ni foam electrode). The optimal TBBPA reductive debromination performance was obtained under -1.2 V of cathode potential, 1.2 wt% of Pd loading, 10 mg L^-1 of TBBPA and 100 mM of Na₂SO₄ as the electrolyte solution. UPLC-QTOF-MS verified that Br atoms in TBBPA were removed sequentially to form bisphenol A as the major product. Most TBBPA was reductively debrominated by atomic H* through indirect hydrodebromination, evidenced by the atomic H* quenching test. The higher solution conductivity and appropriate TBBPA concentration would contribute to the debromination efficiency. Excessive H₂ generation whether by over negative potential or H atom richness electrolyte largely disturbed the reaction process and restricted the debromination. The improved generation of reductant (H*)_adsPd was the most significant, while excessive Pd loading would make aggregation and limit the debromination efficiency. The study confirmed the optimization strategies of conditions for Pd/Ni foam electrode and revealed the related function mechanism for stimulating TBBPA electrochemical reduction, giving suggestions for the efficient removal of TBBPA in the aquatic environment.

Amyloid-Templated Palladium Nanoparticles for Water Purification by Electroreduction

Electrocatalysis offers great promise for water purification but is limited by low active area and high uncontrollability of electrocatalysts. To overcome these constraints, we propose hybrid bulk electrodes by synthesizing and binding a Pd nanocatalyst (nano‐Pd) to the electrodes via amyloid fibrils (AFs). The AFs template is effective for controlling the nucleation, growth, and assembly of nano‐Pd on the electrode. In addition, the three‐dimensional hierarchically porous nanostructure of AFs is beneficial for loading high‐density nano‐Pd with a large active area. The novel hybrid cathodes exhibit superior electroreduction performance for the detoxification of hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺), 4‐chlorophenol, and trichloroacetic acid in wastewater and drinking water. This study provides a proof‐of‐concept design of an AFs‐templated nano‐Pd‐based hybrid electrode, which constitutes a paradigm shift in electrocatalytic water purification, and broadens the horizon of its potential engineered applications.

Wood-Sourced Polymers as Support for Catalysis by Group 10 Transition Metals

Despite providing interesting solutions to reduce the number of synthetic steps, to decrease energy consumption or to generate less waste, therefore contributing to a more sustainable way of producing important chemicals, the expansion of the use of homogeneous catalysis in industrial processes is hampered by several drawbacks. One of the most important is the difficulty to recycle the noble metals generating potential high costs and pollution of the synthesized products by metal traces detrimental to their applications. Supporting the metals on abundant and cheap biosourced polymers has recently appeared as an almost ideal solution: They are much easier to recover from the reaction medium and usually maintain high catalytic activity. The present bibliographical review focuses on the development of catalysts based on group 10 transition metals (nickel, palladium, platinum) supported on biopolymers obtained from wood, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and their derivatives. The applications of these catalysts in organic synthesis or depollution are also addressed in this review with examples of C-C couplings, oxidation, or hydrogenation reactions.

Unified Metallic Catalyst Aging Strategy and Implications for Water Treatment

Heterogeneous catalysis holds great promise for oxidizing or reducing a range of pollutants in water. A well-recognized, but understudied, barrier to implement catalytic treatment centers around fouling or aging over time of the catalyst surfaces. To better understand how to study catalyst fouling or aging, we selected a representative bimetallic catalyst (Pd-In supported on Al2O3), which holds promise to reduce nitrate to innocuous nitrogen gas byproducts upon hydrogen addition, and six model solutions (deionized water, sodium hypochlorite, sodium borohydride, acetic acid, sodium sulfide, and tap water). Our novel aging experimental apparatus permitted single passage of each model solution, separately, through a small packed-bed reactor containing replicate bimetallic catalyst "beds" that could be sacrificed weekly for off-line characterization to quantify impacts of fouling or aging. The composition of the model solutions led to the following gradual changes in surface composition, morphology, or catalytic reactivity: (i) formation of passivating species, (ii) decreased catalytic sites due to metal leaching under acid conditions or sulfide poisoning, (iii) dissolution and/or transformation of indium, (iv) formation of new catalytic sites by the introduction of an additional metallic element, and (v) oxidative etching. The model solution water chemistry captured a wide range of conditions likely to be encountered in potable or industrial water treatment. Aging-induced changes altered catalytic activity and provided insights into potential strategies to improve long-term catalyst operations for water treatment.

Enhanced Stabilization and Effective Utilization of Atomic Hydrogen on Pd-In Nanoparticles in a Flow-through Electrode

Surface-adsorbed active species are intermediates with strong activities in heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Effective stabilization of these intermediates is crucial to improve the catalytic performance. Here, we demonstrated highly active bimetallic palladium-indium (Pd-In) nanoparticles (NPs) that can stabilize atomic H* on the surface and show efficient electrocatalytic reduction performance toward bromate. The optimal atomic ratio of Pd to In was investigated with the aim of efficient formation and strong stabilization of H*, thus facilitating the reduction and decontamination of carcinogenic bromate. Pd₂In₃ was the most active catalyst, with a high rate constant of 0.029 min^-1, whereas the rate constant for monometallic Pd NPs was only 0.009 min^-1. Density functional theory calculations suggest that Pd₂In₃ NPs decrease the work function and provide strong H* stabilization ability. By employing a flow-through electrode coated with Pd₂In₃ NPs to enhance the mass transport, the utilization of H* could be boosted and the reduction kinetics increased up to 7.5 times.

Catalytic hydrodechlorination of triclosan using a new class of anion-exchange-resin supported palladium catalysts

We prepared a new class of anion-exchange-resin supported Pd catalysts for efficient hydrodechlorination of triclosan in water. The catalysts were prepared through an initial ion-exchange uptake of PdCl₄^2- and subsequent reduction of Pd(II) to Pd(0) nanoparticles at ambient temperature. Two standard strong-base anion exchange resins (IRA-900 and IRA-958) with different matrices (polystyrene and polyacrylic) were chosen as the supports. SEM and TEM images showed that Pd(0) nanoparticles were evenly attached on the resin surface with a mean size of 3-5 nm. The resin supported Pd catalysts (Pd@IRA-900 and Pd@IRA-958) were able to facilitate rapid and complete hydrodechlorination of triclosan. At a Pd loading of 2.0 wt.%, the observed pseudo first-order rate constant (k_obs) was 1.25 ± 0.06 and 1.6 ± 0.1 L/g/min for Pd@IRA-900 and Pd@IRA-958, respectively. The catalysts were more resistant to Cl^- poisoning and natural organic matter fouling than other supported-Pd catalysts. The presence of 10 mM NaCl suppressed the k_obs value by 31% and 23% for Pd@IRA-900 and Pd@IRA-958, whereas the presence of humic acid at 30 mg/L as TOC lowered the rates by 28% and 27%, respectively. The better performance of Pd@IRA-958 was attributed to the polymeric matrix properties (i.e., hydrophobicity, pore size, and surface area) as well as Pd particle size. GC/MS analyses indicated that very low concentrations of chlorinated intermediates were detected in the early stage of the hydrodechlorination process, with 2-phenoxyphenol being the main byproduct. The catalysts can be repeatedly used in multiple operations without significant bleeding. The catalysts eliminate the need for calcination in preparing conventional supported catalysts, and the resin supports conveniently facilitate control of Pd loading and material properties.

Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol: A Quantitative Assessment of the Role of Dissolved Oxygen in Determining the Induction Time

The reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol by borohydride is one of the foremost model catalytic reactions because it allows for a straightforward assessment of catalysts using the kinetic parameters extracted from the real-time spectroscopic monitoring of an aqueous solution. Crucial to its standing as a model reaction is a comprehensive mechanistic framework able to explain the entire time evolution of the reaction. While much of this framework is in place, there is still much debate over the cause of the induction period, an initial time interval where no reaction seemingly occurs. Here, we report on the simultaneous monitoring of the spectroscopic signal and the dissolved oxygen content within the aqueous solution. It reveals that the induction period is the time interval required for the level of dissolved oxygen to fall below a critical value that is dependent upon whether Au, Ag, or Pd nanoparticles are used as the catalyst. With this understanding, we are able to exert complete control over the induction period, being able to eliminate it, extend it indefinitely, or even induce multiple induction periods over the course of a single reaction. Moreover, we have determined that the reaction product, 4-aminophenol, in the presence of the same catalyst reacts with dissolved oxygen to form 4-nitrophenolate. The implication of these results is that the induction period relates, not to some activation of the catalyst, but to a time interval where the reaction product is being rapidly transformed back into a reactant by a side reaction.

Removal of halogenated emerging contaminants from water by nitrogen-doped graphene decorated with palladium nanoparticles: Experimental investigation and theoretical analysis

The removal performance and mechanisms of halogenated emerging contaminants from water by palladium decorated nitrogen-doped graphene (Pd/NG) were investigated in this study. For comparison, three catalysts of Pd/NG, palladium decorated graphene (Pd/G) and commercial Pd/C were initially explored to degrade tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). After that, the influence of various environmental parameters on TBBPA removal by the Pd/NG catalyst was evaluated. Moreover, both Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and density functional theory (DFT) were adopted to theoretically elucidate the adsorption and the activation of TBBPA on the catalyst. The results show that the apparent rate constant of TBBPA dehalogenation was increased by 26.7% and 39.0% in the presence of the Pd/NG catalyst compared to the Pd/G and Pd/C ones. Higher temperature, catalyst dosage and alkaline conditions resulted in the enhancement of TBBPA dehalogenation by the Pd/NG catalyst, while humic acid in the solution had a negatively effect on the transformation of TBBPA. The corresponding rate constant value exhibited a 2.1- and 1.8-fold increase with the rise of temperature from 298 to 328 K and initial pH from 6.5 to 9.0, respectively. On the contrary, the rate constant was decreased by 78.9% in the presence of 15 mg L(-1) humic acid. Theoretical analysis revealed that both adsorption and activation processes of TBBPA on the Pd/NG catalyst were enhanced through the N doping into graphene framework.

Novel iron metal matrix composite reinforced by quartz sand for the effective dechlorination of aqueous 2-chlorophenol

In this work, we tested a novel iron metal matrix composite (MMC) synthesized by mechanically introducing quartz sand (SiO2) into an iron matrix (denoted as SiO2-Fe MMC). The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant of the SiO2-Fe MMC (initial pH 5.0) for 20 mg/L of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) was 0.051 × 10(-3) L/m(2)/min, which was even higher than that of some reported Pd/Fe bimetals. This extraordinary high activity was promoted by the quick iron dissolution rate, which was caused by the formation of Fe-C internal electrolysis from carbonization of process control agent (PCA) and the active reinforcement/metal interfaces during the milling process. In addition, pH has slight effect on the dechlorination rate. The SiO2-Fe MMC retained relatively stable activity, still achieving 71% removal efficiency for 2-CP after six consecutive cycles. The decrease in dechlorination efficiency can be attributed to the rapid consumption of Fe(0). A dechlorination mechanism using the SiO2-Fe MMC was proposed by a direct electron transfer from Fe(0) to 2-CP at the quartz sand/iron interface.

Phosphorus-doped ordered mesoporous carbons embedded with Pd/Fe bimetal nanoparticles for the dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol

Pd–Fe bimetal nanoparticles embedded within phosphorus-doped ordered mesoporous carbons as highly active and stable catalysts for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol.

A mechanically synthesized SiO2–Fe metal matrix composite for effective dechlorination of aqueous 2-chlorophenol: the optimum of the preparation conditions

In this study, abrasives-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) with a microscale size synthesized by ball milling (BM) could achieve highly active and stable dechlorination efficiency for aqueous 2-chlorophenol (2-CP).

Catalytic hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene in a novel NaOH/2-propanol/methanol/water system on ceria-supported Pd and Rh catalysts

The catalytic hydrodechlorination (HDC) of high concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) (4.9 mol%, 11.6 vol%) was studied over 1%Pd, 1%Rh and 0.5%Pd-0.5%Rh catalysts supported on CeO2 under conditions of room temperature and pressure. For this, a one-phase system of NaOH/2-propanol/methanol/water was designed with molar percentages of 13.2/17.5/36.9/27.6, respectively. In this system, the alcohols delivered the hydrogen required for the reaction through in-situ dehydrogenation reactions. PdRh/CeO2 was the most active catalyst for the degradation of TCE among the evaluated materials, degrading 85% of the trichloroethylene, with alcohol dehydrogenation rates of 89% for 2-propanol and 83% for methanol after 1 h of reaction. Fresh and used catalysts were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These results showed important differences of the active phase in each catalyst sample. Rh/CeO2 had particle sizes smaller than 1 nm and the active metal was partially oxidized (Rh(0)/Rh(+δ) ratio of 0.43). This configuration showed to be suitable for alcohols dehydrogenation. On the contrary, Pd/CeO2 showed a Pd completed oxidized and with a mean particle size of 1.7 nm, which seemed to be unfavorable for both, alcohols dehydrogenation and TCE HDC. On PdRh/CeO2, active metals presented a mean particle size of 2.7 nm and more reduced metallic species, with ratios of Rh(0)/Rh(+δ) = 0.67 and Pd(0)/Pd(+δ) = 0.28, which showed to be suitable features for the TCE HDC. On the other hand, TGA results suggested some deposition of NaCl residues over the catalyst surfaces. Thus, the new reaction system using PdRh/CeO2 allowed for the degradation of high concentrations of the chlorinated compound by using in situ hydrogen liquid donors in a reaction at room temperature and pressure.

Graphene-modified Pd/C cathode and Pd/GAC particles for enhanced electrocatalytic removal of bromate in a continuous three-dimensional electrochemical reactor

Bromate (BrO3(-)) is a carcinogenic and genotoxic contaminant commonly generated during ozonation of bromide-containing water. In this work, the reductive removal of BrO3(-) in a continuous three-dimensional electrochemical reactor with palladium-reduced graphene oxide modified carbon paper (Pd-rGO/C) cathode and Pd-rGO modified granular activated carbon (Pd-rGO/GAC) particles was investigated. The results indicated that the rGO sheets significantly promoted the electrochemical reduction of BrO3(-). With the enhanced electron transfer by rGO sheets, the electroreduction of H2O to atomic H* on the polarized Pd particles could be significantly accelerated, leading to a faster reaction rate of BrO3(-) with atomic H*. The synergistic effect of the Pd-rGO/C cathode and Pd-rGO/GAC particles were also exhibited. The atomic H* involved in various electroreduction processes was detected by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and its role for BrO3(-) reduction was determined. The performance of the reactor was evaluated in terms of the removal of BrO3(-) and the yield of Br(-) as a function of the GO concentration, Pd loading amount, current density, hydraulic residence time (HRT), and initial BrO3(-) concentration. Under the current density of 0.9 mA/cm(2), BrO3(-) with the initial concentration of 20 μg/L was reduced to be less than 6.6 μg/L at the HRT of 20 min. The BrO3(-) reduction was inhibited in the presence of dissolved organic matter. Although the precipitates generated from Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) in the tap water would cover the Pd catalysts, a long-lasting electrocatalytic activity could be maintained for the 30 d treatment. SEM and XPS analysis demonstrated that the precipitates were predominantly deposited onto the Pd-rGO/C cathode rather than the Pd-rGO/GAC particles.

Reactivity of Aryl Halides for Reductive Dehalogenation in (Sea)water Using Polymer-Supported Terpyridine Palladium Catalyst

A polymer-supported terpyridine palladium complex was prepared. The complex was found to promote hydrodechlorination of aryl chlorides with potassium formate in seawater. Generally, reductive cleavage of aryl chlorides using transition metal catalysts is more difficult than that of aryl bromides and iodides (reactivity: I > Br > Cl); however, the results obtained did not follow the general trend. Therefore, we investigated the reaction inhibition agents and found a method to remove these inhibitors. The polymeric catalysts showed high catalytic activity and high reusability for transfer reduction in seawater.

Supported and unsupported nanomaterials for water and soil remediation: are they a useful solution for worldwide pollution?

Remediation technologies for wastes generated by industrial processes include coagulation, reverse osmosis, electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, advanced oxidation processes, and biological methods, among others. Adsorption onto activated carbon, sewage sludge, zeolites, chitosan, silica, and agricultural wastes has shown potential for pollutants' removal from aqueous media. Recently, nanoscale systems [nanoparticles (NPs) supported on different inorganic adsorbents] have shown additional benefits for the removal/degradation of several contaminants. According to the literature, NPs enhance the adsorption capacity of adsorbent materials and facilitate degradation of pollutants through redox reactions. In this review we analyzed relevant literature from 2011 to 2013, dealing with water and soil remediation by nanomaterials (NMs), either unsupported or supported upon inorganic adsorbents. Despite the outstanding reported results for some NMs, the analysis of the literature makes clear the necessity of more studies. There is lack of information about NMs regeneration and reusability, their large-scale application, and their efficiency in actual industrial wastewaters and contaminated soils. Additionally, little is known about NMs' life cycle, release of metal ions, disposal of pollutant loaded NMs, and their impacts on different ecosystems.