From molecular architecture to environmental action: a new palladium-based perovskite catalyst as a cathodic modifier for electro-Fenton degradation

A new one-dimensional (1D) palladium-based hybrid perovskite, (C₉H₈N)[PdCl₃(H₂O)], has been synthesized and structurally characterized, revealing a distinctive asymmetric architecture with two non-equivalent formula units (Z′ = 2). The compound exhibits a see–saw coordination geometry around Pd(II), stabilized through a network of hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking, and halogen–halogen interactions, which collectively enhance its structural robustness and functional properties. Beyond its architectural novelty, the material demonstrated excellent catalytic activity as a cathodic modifier in a Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD)-assisted electro-Fenton system for paraquat degradation. The hybrid-modified electrode significantly accelerated the degradation process, achieving near-complete mineralization under optimized conditions. This study highlights the potential of (C₉H₈N)[PdCl₃(H₂O)] as a multifunctional material that bridges structural design with environmental application, offering valuable insights into the development of advanced hybrid perovskites for sustainable pollutant remediation.