Controlled Pd deposition on fibers by electroless plating. The effects of the support on the reduction of nitrite in water

Pd catalysts supported on activated silica–alumina fibers (CFs) and activated carbon felts (ACFs) were prepared and evaluated for the reduction of nitrite in water in a batch reactor. The electroless plating (ELP) method was used in order to deposit small Pd particles on the surface of the fibers. While a homogeneous distribution of Pd nanoparticles was obtained for carbon fibers, this was not the case for ceramic ones in which non-homogeneous patches of Pd films were formed. This fact resulted in a higher activity for nitrite reduction when carbon fibers were used. However, the selectivity toward the undesired product ammonia, measured at the end of the reaction, was slightly higher for Pd/ACFs catalysts.

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► Pd on activated carbon felts and ceramic fibers were prepared by ELP.
► A controlled deposition of Pd particles on carbon fibers (ACFs) was achieved.
► Good uniformity of particles with small size is associated with activity of Pd/ACFs.
► After reaction, the Pd surface concentration decreases, probably due to sinterization.
► The selectivity toward nitrogen was slightly higher for Pd/CFs catalysts.