Applicability of a catalytic reduction method using a palladium–copper catalyst and hydrazine for the denitration of a highly concentrated nitrate salt solution

Abstract

Denitration of a highly concentrated sodium nitrate (NaNO3) aqueous solution via a catalytic reduction method using a palladium–copper catalyst supported on carbon powder (Pd–Cu/C) and hydrazine (N2H4) was investigated. It was demonstrated that nitrate ion (NO3 −) in a 5 mol L−1 NaNO3 solution was completely reduced through an intermediate nitrite ion (NO2 −) to nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen, nitrous oxide, and ammonia. By comparing the reaction rates of NO3 − and NO2 − obtained using catalysts with various Pd–Cu compositions and different reductants (hydrogen (H2) or N2H4), it was determined that the catalyst with a molar ratio of Pd:Cu = 1:0.66 provides the maximum reaction rates for NO3 − and NO2 − using N2H4, and that not only the reactions of NO3 − and NO2 − but also that of N2H4 were affected by the Pd–Cu composition.