Pd-Cu Bimetallic Based Catalysts for Nitrate Remediation in Water: Synthesis, Characterization, and the Influence of Supports

Abstract

The use of Pd-Cu bimetallic catalysts in the reduction of aqueous nitrate ions by hydrogen was studied. The catalysts were supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), activated carbon (AC), and Titania, and the influence of the support on the nitrate reduction activity in water was then investigated. The catalysts were characterized before and after use by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and Laser Granulometry. It was found that the surface characteristics of the support have an influence on the catalyst activity, with Pd-Cu supported on MWCNT displaying the highest reduction efficiency.