Produced chlorophenols including 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) from industry has led to the introduction of many xenobiotics in the environment and a green procedure for the degradation of such toxic pollutants is greatly needed. Catalytic hydrodechlorination (HDC) method which is an emerging and non-destructive method is considered to be an efficient method for achieving in-situ dichlorination of chlorophenols and it is necessary to develop effective catalysts for the HDC process. This study examined the feasibility of the catalytic HDC reaction for the removal of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) as the model compound using palladium catalysts. During the study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized through Hummer’s method and incorporated with the Pd catalyst as a supporting material to prepare Pd/rGO catalysts, which were taken for the removal of 4-CP in an aqueous solution. Faster catalytic reactivity was observed, and the degradation rate of 4-CP followed a first order kinetic model (k = 2.334 min-1). To improve the practicability of the HDC process for water treatment, immobilization of the powdered Pd/rGO catalysts is required and the granulation process of the catalyst with sand (Pd/rGOSC) was further explored. During the HDC process, 4-CP was successfully converted into phenol (achieved 100% yield) within 24 hours. A continuous HDC process with the granular Pd/rGOSC catalysts filled in a column achieved an efficient 4-CP degradation for 72 hours, displaying excellent catalytic activities for the reduction of 4-CP by recoverable catalysts and providing a useful platform for the HDC process under green conditions.

Catalytic hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol using palladium catalysts supported on graphene-based materials

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