<br/>A simple, scalable approach was developed to grow Pd-based bimetal nanoparticles on powders of linen yarn.  The lignocellulose-supported nanoparticles were then applied to the catalytic hydrogenation of nitrate in aqueous solutions.  Optimal metal ratios for the Pd-based catalysts were determined by assessing their performance in batch reactor water tests.  After optimizing metal composition for catalyst performance, Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) transformed the most reactive powders into novel, free-standing structures for catalytic hydrogenation of nitrate.  The performance, stability, and reusability of the fiber-welded catalysts were evaluated for nitrate reduction in a model system prepared from ultrapure water, as well as in (partially) treated water/wastewater representing more practical, complex water matrices.  Catalyst structure, composition, catalyst/support interactions, and stability during storage in air were evaluated through transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.  With a growing interest in developing catalyst supports from sustainable materials, and with the emergence of NFW as a green chemistry engineering method to process natural fibers, this work highlights our most recent progress towards sustainable water treatment.

Natural fiber welding of lignocellulose-supported Pd-based catalysts for water purification

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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