Preparing Pd/Sn modified nickel foam electrode for nitrate removal from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Nitrate pollution in ground water and surface water has been becoming a worldwide problem that poses a great challenge to steady water ecosystem and human health. Electrochemical reduction is a promising way to remove nitrate from water because of advantages. We prepared Pd/Sn modified nickel foam (NF) electrode according to a two-step electrodeposition method. The prepared NF–Pd/Sn electrode showed a micromorphology like “Karst Fengcong” with peaks, saddles and nadirs intertwined with each other. Pd0 and Sn0 were detected on the NF–Pd/Sn electrode and the mass ratio of Pd/Sn was 4.3/1. The NF–Pd/Sn electrode showed the highest reaction rate (kobs: 0.543 h−1) and removal efficiency (94%) under the condition of 100 mg N/L, 0.05 mol/L Na2SO4 and -1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl sat. KCl. The highest N2-selectivity (100%) was reached under the condition of 100 mg N/L, 0.05 mol/L NaCl and −1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl sat. KCl. The microstructure of NF–Pd/Sn electrode like “Karst Fengcong” could provide large specific surface area and more active sites for nitrate adsorption and electrocatalytic reduction in aqueous solution. The adsorption and the reduction reaction of nitrate on the surface of NF–Pd/Sn could increase the electric current response in the test system.