Novel Pd-Fe2O3-Ni Electrocatalyst with Low Pd Content for Electrochemical Reduction of 4-Chlorophenol

Chlorophenol wastewater has a serious impact on the environment, and it is not easily degraded by traditional methods. The novel electrochemical hydrogen evolution reduction degradation has received widespread attention, among which the electrocatalytic performance of the electrode is particularly critical. In this study, Pd-Fe₂O₃-coated nickel foam electrode (Pd-Fe₂O₃-Ni) was prepared by annealing on Fe–Ni and introducing Pd into Fe₂O₃. Its degradation performance is better than that of the original nickel foam (Ni) and Fe₂O₃-Ni electrodes. The removal of 4-chlorophenol by Pd-Fe₂O₃-Ni was 98.2%, which was 1.4–1.52, 10–12 and 10.3–11.4 times higher than that of the unannealed Pd-Fe₂O₃-Ni, Ni, and Fe₂O₃-Ni, respectively. Meanwhile, the Pd-Fe₂O₃-Ni electrode had good stability, and the 4-chlorophenol removal rate was maintained at 92% after five repetitions, which proved the applicability of the Pd-Fe₂O₃-Ni electrode. Therefore, the prepared Pd-Fe₂O₃-Ni is a high-performance electrode for electrochemical reduction and degradation of wastewater.

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