Abstract
Controlling the size, shape and phase formation of catalyst nanoparticles on support is essential to obtain a superior catalyst for a specific reaction. Herein, the synthesis of palladium–copper (PdCu) bimetallic catalysts supported on mesoporous MCM−41 with different morphologies are reported as well as their catalytic performance for the reduction of oxyanions present in water. X−ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal the formation of disordered face−centred cubic and ordered body−centred cubic phases of intermetallic PdCu for all catalysts. According to the Pd 3d XPS results, the status of the Pd species was dependent on the morphologies of the supports. The rod−like MCM−41 supports could increase the metallic Pd species rather than the spherical−like MCM−41 supports. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show a particle size dependence of PdCu nanoparticles with the morphology of the support. Catalytic test results suggested that the morphology and size affected the PdCu dispersion and, consequently, the catalytic activity for nitrate and bromate reduction. Small and rod-like MCM-41 particles were permitted to obtain a catalyst that achieved a total bromate reduction and a nitrogen selectivity of 61 % in nitrate reduction. These results highlight the importance of the support morphology in reducing the size and minimising the polydispersity of PdCu nanoparticles.
Published Version
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