Controlled Pd deposition on carbon fibers by electroless plating for the reduction of nitrite in water

Pd catalysts supported on activated carbon felts (ACFs) with different metallic loadings were prepared by electroless plating and evaluated for the reduction of nitrite in water in a batch reactor. Homogeneous Pd dispersions were obtained, the plating solution concentration and the seeding step being the key variables that determine particle size and morphology. The formation of Pd crystals of 96 ± 22 nm situated at the external surface of the carbon fibers was obtained for 0.14 wt.% of metal loading, while an incipient formation of a Pd thin layer was detected for 1.9 wt.%. The fresh and used catalysts were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD and XPS.

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► Pd/Activated Carbon Felts (ACF) catalysts were prepared by electroless plating.
► A controlled deposition of palladium particles on carbon fibers was achieved.
► After reaction, the Pd surface concentration decreases, probably due to sinterization.
► High dispersion and quantity of particles with small size is associated with activity.
► The reaction rate showed a 0.6—order law.