Copper Corrosion Products Catalyzed Reduction of N-Nitrosodimethylamine with Iron

Copper corrosion products (Cu(OH)₂, Cu₂O, CuO and Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂) were applied to catalyze the reduction of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) with iron. All the copper corrosion products showed catalytic abilities. Lower pH values and DO concentrations facilitated NDMA reduction in most cases. 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, UDMH) and dimethylamine (DMA) formed during the degradation of NDMA. There were also some undetected products. Catalytic hydrogenation was proposed as the mechanism. The catalytic systems did not promote the formation of hydrogen atoms. The dissolved copper ions in these systems were too sparse to enhance the reaction. The smooth iron surface and formation of Cu₂O in each catalytic system explained the enhancement of NDMA removal. Different surface morphologies and states of Cu₂O accounted for the differences in NDMA removal and kinetics between the reaction systems. This technique could be an alternative for NDMA reduction and could broaden the application of copper corrosion products.